A 'God Moment'

As we age, birthdays can take on a whole new meaning. One of these significant birthdays that I feel fortunate to have been part of was Margaret's 88th birthday: 

Margaret had just moved into an assisted living community, her daughter wanted to make it a very special day. She invited five of her mother’s friends and 2 granddaughters to join the birthday girl for afternoon tea.  I was invited to cater the birthday tea. I set the table in the guest dining room with some of my prettiest china. I loved the variety of patterns that made the table so elegant. The two tiered plates were filled with finger sandwiches and sweets, scones and fruit. Let the party begin! The guests arrived and sat around the oval table. And then the nurse wheeled Margaret to her place at the head of the table. Everyone greeted her with “Happy Birthday” wishes when suddenly gasping and staring at her cup and saucer, she exclaimed, “My wedding china!” We were all silent as she picked up the cup and turned it over to look at the pattern name. Yes, it was Royal Doulton's Glamis Thistle pattern she and her late husband had chosen 60 years ago. Tears came down her cheeks. How did I know to put that cup and saucer at her place? I didn’t. It just happened to be the one I set there not knowing that it would have such meaning to her. What makes it even more special is that my Aunt Ann in Ottawa had just sent me that cup and saucer because she wanted to have a small part in my tea business. It was a part of her wedding china. I call that a ‘God moment.’

Tea time for Margaret was more wonderful than we could have planned. That was the best cup of tea she ever had! And may I add, perhaps one of the best birthday surprises ever!