Giving In
A few weeks ago the girls and I were browsing the shops in downtown, historic, Littleton and Izzy spotted Serendipi-TEA House. It was a Monday afternoon and to her dismay the quaint place was closed that day. She peaked in every window, perhaps willing it to open just for her. She carefully read the menu that was posted on the door and begged me to bring her back for tea someday soon.
By the time we had driven home from our afternoon outing she had devised a plan to go to tea. Since Grandma would be coming for a visit soon, and since Grandma had just celebrated a birthday, maybe we could take her for tea. Pretty please, Mom. I casually agreed and didn’t think much more about it.
Well Grandma is here this week and we are in the midst of enjoying some fun, inexpensive, outings around the area. I was feeling pretty good about the events we had planned—giving myself the little “you really are a fun mom” pat on the back. But then Izzy brought up the tea thing. Here we go again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to going to tea, but it was a little pricey and reservations were required, plus the forecast called for 90 degrees. Not really tea drinking weather in my mind. It was all just a little more work and thought than I wanted to deal with at the moment.
But if you were in earshot of our home about 8:30 that evening, you would have heard the wrath of Isabelle. Armed with determination and a little rage, we were going to tea come you know what or high water.
Now don’t think I’m a mom who gives in easily just because I don’t want to see my children upset. This was different. As I looked beyond the anger and disappointment in Izzy, in that moment, I realized the importance of this outing in her nine-year-old mind. I’m not sure I fully understood, and maybe she didn’t either, but this was something we needed to do.
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Yesterday was the big day. We enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by tea and scones. It was delightful. I watched as Izzy poured over the menu and carefully ordered Mac and Cheese to her liking. She perused the tea menu and asked the server questions. She even spent her own money to buy a little silver tea strainer. Guess I need to stock up on loose tea now. There was a smile on her face the entire time.
But I didn’t truly realize how much she enjoyed the tea outing until last night when she was tucked in bed and sound asleep. Under her pillow was a folded up menu from the Tea Room and on her bedside table was her new tea strainer still neatly packaged in the box.
With tears in my eyes and fullness in my heart, I knew I had given into the right thing this time.
How this delights my heart, seeing your love for your daughters, doing the best instead of the better things planned for the week. You now have a memory with the special women in your life, some of the other outings will no doubt be forgotten but not this one. Izzy is her mother’s daughter delighting in the small wonders that her eyes and heart are drawn to that will make her life filled with treasured moments. You are a great mom, so proud of you!
Awe…I missed another great moment to travel. Thank for sharing. Miss you girls and can’t wait to be back home to have some tea with her on our new deck.
What a powerful post. I was moved by it because I know Izzy so well and you and grandma. Thanks for sharing so transparently. Very special memory for all. I know it is for me and I wasn’t even there.
Love, love, love… You are a great mom and I’m so lucky to have your family as neighbors. Knowing Izzy as I do, I can just picture every moment from your description. She is one special girl! Thanks for sharing.