Lily Follow Up

Follow up to introducing my Tea with Lily book.

When Lily graduated from high school,

her college essay was about our tea times each Christmas.

I was totally honored and touched that she would write about them.

Now she is in college and studying to be a nurse.

She will make the best nurse ever

and I am so proud of her.

Here is what I wrote to her on our final tea:

Lily

 Preparations are made.

The teapots await.

The flower has bloomed

and is ready to fly.

Well wishes will be shared.

Hugs will be there.

For tea times of the past

and a bright future at last.

Fly to the sky and capture the stars.

For you deserve all of that.

Then when day is done

sip on your tea and float on the clouds.

Dance in the twilight and remember

my well wishes are there.

Fly with the birds and capture the stars.

Love, Marilyn

Here is her college essay:

Christmas Traditions
Tea. Not very synonymous with young children, which probably explains why I was throwing a fit under the table. It was one of those moments when mortified parents just want to melt into the floor rather than discipline their child in public. It just so happened that we
were in a fancy tea room, the Heathman, and it just so happened that it was the Christmas holidays. My parents were trying to start one of those family traditions that lasts throughout the years and it seemed like the Heathman just was not a great option at that time. Fortunately
for us my mom had a friend, Marilyn, who adored the art of tea parties and all of the wonderful times that go with them. The very next year they planned one of these affairs and it went over much more smoothly than the first time around. I don't specifically remember the happenings of my first Christmas tea party with Marilyn or much of what would eventually create much of the foundation for traditions in the years to come. Every year since that fatal year at the Heathman, my close family has joined together at Marilyn's house at Christmastime and shared our year's progress. As my taste for tea has grown so has my appreciation for these family gatherings and the meaningful conversations that have come out of them. Now not only do I look forward to the little sandwiches and the artfully decorated cookies; but also the loud, and not always obnoxious, laugh of my uncle and the warm embrace of my grandma. Those moments of laughter and togetherness are not easy to forget and often remind me how much a family tradition can grow from something small to an annual event that brings such joy and community. Through each passing year my mom has kept a photo journal of pictures that show how my family has changed. From the progressive aging of my brother and I, to the lack of my grandfather who passed away when I was four. Although my family has changed and evolved we have stayed together through this tradition and recognize that change is not always such a bad thing. Like that very first time at the Heathman all traditions come to a close at some point, and these tea parties are no different. Regretfully we have decided that this year will be our last
official tea party with me heading off to college next year. Although I will miss the time spent in that little North Portland home, I know that with the end of one tradition there will be an opportunity for growth. During times of change in life there is always room for nostalgia and reminiscence, but also that possibility that you will stumble upon something truly wonderful.
Lily