10.10.2008

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...

2 comments:

marcychapman said...

How sweet and humorous but best of all we have another tea drinker and the weather will be cooler soon. Lots of "tea parties" ahead. Feel better. Hugs, Nana

Anonymous said...

So sweet!

Liz, I never knew what a lovely writer you are....