Memories of Tea Time Family Rituals
December 28, 2007 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Do you enjoy tea time with your Alzheimer’s family member…or have memories of family rituals involving them? Afternoon tea was an everyday occurrence at my grandmother’s when I was growing up.
Nanny would have her cup of tea while my aunts often sipped their coffee. When I visited them at their Trails End Farm, I looked forward to 3 o’clock when we stopped quilting, sewing, cooking, cleaning or other tasks and sat at the table with tea, coffee, milk and cookies while we laughed and chatted. Anyone visiting was invited to join in.
Tea for hospitality became a habit with my mom, too, one we continued even after she acquired Alzheimer’s and lived in a nursing home. My grandchildren often visited her with me and looked forward to snacks while Mother and I sipped tea.
For Christmas this year, my daughter gave me a glass mug with tea infuser. It also included a “tea flower” consisting of green tea scented with jasmine flowers. This made delicious tea, actually cup after cup to keep me going the whole afternoon. Now I’ve got to experiment with different teas and get some more flowers.
Do you have a favorite tea? Or tea ritual? I like to start the morning with English breakfast tea or Darjeeling. Earl Grey is one I enjoy during the day. I must see what flavors I can find for tea flowers, too.
How about relaxing with your Alzheimer’s family member over a cup of tea? You may create some memories as my grandchildren and I have of tea time with Mother.
(c)2007 Mary Emma Allen
Technorati Tags: Darjeeling, English breakfast tea, quilters, quilting, tea+party, tea flower, tea infuser, tea time, Trails End Farm
