Tea for Two

While home sick for the past 3 days, Selby has taken to drinking warm chamomile tea with lots of honey and lemon. This is new for her and she is enchanted. We make it in a delicate porcelain tea cup and she carries it - very slowly - to where she wants to sit and drink it. "Just like a lady," she says. "A real lady." I too am enchanted by her enthusiasm - and also a bit saddened to see how she already wants to act like a grown up.

Against all my determination not to catch this nasty virus, I am now laid out as well. So after dinner tonight, with a little help from daddy, Selby made me some tea. She suggested "camile" (chamomile), but I asked for decaf Chai instead. She scurried in to me from the kitchen, "Daddy says it's tea calf," she reported. "Decaf," I corrected her, emphasizing the d. "Da-da-da-decaf," she repeated and ran off. When she returned, she presented me with my "tai chi." I thanked her and gently told her it's Chai tea.

It was one of those moments that makes the hard work of mothering - especially sick children - well worth it. I am so touched by Selby's heartfelt desire to share with me some of the warmth and comfort I have tried to give her this week. Not only has she discovered tea, but also the importance of giving back.

Now off to bed, where I belong...