Just months before my Mom passed away, her and I were in the living room watching "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". The episode was about a man who lost his wife and was raising his kids on his own. As he shared his story, he mentions having to pond his wife's wedding ring just to pay the rent.
My Mom then begins to tell me what things she wants me to have when she dies, one thing being her collection of china.
I immediately tell her to stop talking like that because she still had a long life ahead of her (but I think my Mom knew otherwise by this point).
Anyway, my brother has been holding my china in his home (the house we grew up in) over the years. And for that, I have been super thankful. But recently, I have brought them home.
They are not real china (most items were made in Japan and England). Only one saucer and tea cup were made in China but they are not the traditional decoration nor color. But, it's the sentiment that counts.
My mom died when I was a baby. I don't even recall when her china was passed on to me. I didn't realize the significance of it them, but I cherish it now. Each time I set a formal table, like for holidays, I include pieces from her set. Love the shot and the story. FAV!
I have my mom's china too. She died when I was in my early 30's and she had at one time told me that the china should go to me. I waited about 6 years and then gently announced to my dad (ok I just boldly told him!) that I was going to bring the china home so that I could use it on Thanksgiving. For some women, it is a high honor to inherit mom's china. We seem to have a very deep connection to our mothers by that china- I don't know why, but we do! I'm not sure but I think this pattern is called Blue Onion. I sort of remember learning about it from my friend Judy who collects dishes. Lovely shot!
@twinsplusone aww! thank you! and thanks for sharing your story.
@olivetreeann thanks! and thanks for sharing your story too. My Mom also told me that she wanted my sister to have all the crystal ware (and that is real). It is something nice to have.
What a very touching story, Anna. I think your china is beautiful and I wouldn't care where it came from!!lol Very nice stories about other ladies china that was passed down to them, too!
@olivetreeann thanks! and thanks for sharing your story too. My Mom also told me that she wanted my sister to have all the crystal ware (and that is real). It is something nice to have.