Join Me For A Cup Of Tea

marcoujor

I can hear you... "I have way too much to do today. There's never enough time in the day. I'll never get it all done... better take that coffee 'to go' ...!"

Thanks for taking time out of these busy days to join me.  I hope these thoughts will be worth your time and consideration. 

The older I get, the slower I want to be.  I want to listen to what you have to say - I still might learn something. I want to experience and feel as much as I can from the moment - I will never have that moment again.  I want to have a second cup of tea with my friends - time together is to be cherished.

Time should never be taken for granted ... Ten years ago, I shared the holidays with my dad, my mother-in-law and Black Lab, Alvin.  Five years ago, Christmas included my mom, my sister-in-law and Yellow Lab, Aunt Baby.  

I read my friend, Vicki Warner's, recent post on Life Talks - I Write, discussing the commercialism and sense of entitlement displayed in our children today. Wholeheartedly agreeing with her, I believe this culture of wretched excess is rooted in the parents (and grandparents) of these children - sadly, in our society at large.

Mom always valued the gift of time above all else.  Your presence was the best present of all.  

Mom also taught us to give flowers to those who were alive.  It's really hard for me to visit someone empty - handed, without even a small floral bouquet.  

I recently made a holiday visit to a friend who is in the end stages of cancer.  She is totally coherent and ready to die.  She is amazingly inspirational - aware of her priorities, even offering comfort, wisdom and gentle humor to those around her who are grieving the effects this disease is having on this once vibrant and energetic woman.  I knew a physical gift would be overwhelming, especially as I saw her room surrounded by floral bouquets and decorations.

I made another holiday visit to a friend who is in the beginning stages of dementia, having recently moved to a senior living center with her husband.  She is increasingly confused - yet hangs onto the same semblance of gracious and ladylike behavior she demonstrated through her life, in her personal and professional life.  I knew a physical gift would be forgotten, as likely my visit was.  

In both of these situations, I wanted to listen to Mom's words and came to the realization that flowers truly symbolize the time spent with those you love. 

I have a dear friend who lost her husband over ten years ago to cancer.  Helena and her amazing children formed The Leaping Leprechauns Team of the ACS Relay for Life.  As a proud Leprechaun myself, I rate our Team an A+++  when it comes to passion, energy and dedication. I love when Helena calls me with the latest fundraiser initiative. 
  
This Christmas season the Team sold cans of tea bags  - right up my alley, so I was all smiles...! 
 
There are 6 different types of tea available - each tea has their own can design.  There are 10 tea bags in each tin which will make 2 - 3 cups of tea.  This is not like Lipton or Tetley.  It looks like loose tea in a fine mesh bag. 

 Faith:  Serene Herbal Tea - a calming and comforting blend of Chamomile, Lavender, Australian Lemon Myrtle and            Spearmint Leaves.  A tranquil, light tea for the body, mind, and soul. 

 Hope: Moroccan Mint Tea - This exhilarating and refreshing blend of Green Tea and Moroccan Peppermint mingle together     to refine your palate - pleasing with every sip. 
 
Life:  Breakfast Blend Tea - Enjoy this hearty blend of Assam, Ceylon and Keemun teas at the beginning of or throughout      your day.
 
Love:  Mango Amazon Tea - This special blend of Black Tea with ripe pieces of Mango and Marigold Flowers is fragrant and uplifting.
 
Peace:  Sencha Green Tea - This pan fired Green Tea is simply the best .  Savor this clean and robust flavor while you enjoy the many health benefits 
 
Prayer:  Daily Detox Tea - this unique blend of Medicinal Herbs and Berries provides a host of antioxidants and health  benefits. A feel good drink that lasts all day.

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Each can was sold for $10.00 and our profit (to the American Cancer Society) was $3.30 per can. The Leaping Leprechauns was able to donate $400 to the ACS - that's a whole bunch of tea and many goodhearted folks.

This Christmas I couldn't buy flowers for my Mom or my two friends who aren't feeling very well.  But I sure did buy quite a few cans of tea... and I pray with my heart and soul that one day there will be a cure for cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

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Before I go ...

A few special items of interest I'd like to share with you before I go...

• There's an awesome post you won't want to miss in Sunday's special edition of Inspiration Station with a list of wonderful goodies you should see before Christmas!
• A moving story by guest author, Paula Jay, on LTIW titled The Loss of My Lifeline.
• Please hop over to the Pumpkin Run Pulse to get acquainted with what should be your newest addition to the Sunnie Day book collection titled, Within My Heart.

That covers it for this edition of mar's Desk.

My love, thoughts and hugs go out to you and yours for a peaceful and blessed Christmas. 

See you next Wednesday.

Hugs, mar