Wednesday, August 12, 2015

A most sentimental gift of teacups

Last week, some of you read the column I wrote for The Coweta Shopper on collecting teacups. I always assume most of my readers are women, and although I know I have at least one male reader in my husband, I learned I had at least one other male reader, a thoughtful man named Francis in my Sunday School class. We met up with him just as we were heading into class last Sunday, and Francis looked at me with a bag in his hands and said oh good, I have a gift for you. I thought he was joking, but inside were two teacups and saucers along with one of the most touching notes I think I've ever received.

"Angela, After reading your column on 'Tea Cups,' I thought you would enjoy these; they were my Mother's. They are a lot like life, a little chipped, quite fragile, and a need to be held. Enjoy, Francis." Can you even imagine how much I loved this? Yes, I'll bet you can!

The kindness of this gift is so touching, but knowing these teacups belonged to Francis's mother makes me even more honored to have received them. And aren't they beautiful! (The chips, by the way, aren't even visible unless you look on the back side of the teacups, which I don't plan to do. These are quite usable teacups!)

Roses, ribbons, garlands … all things I just love!

The backstamp says "Union" and "Made in Czecho-Slovakia," and I read online that this company produced its wares from 1921-1939. It's nice to know a little history about these lovely teacups, but the history about them I love best is sitting a few seats over from me in Sunday School each week!

20 comments:

  1. What a beautiful story. It is so touching. They are quite beautiful and I know you will enjoy them so much. Frances, you are a fine man and your mother would be very proud of you.

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  2. Such an endearing gift to receive, thoughtfulness comes when you least expect it.

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  3. Oh, they are so pretty! What a sweet, unexpected gift.

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  4. What a real treasure - both the tea cups and your thoughtful friend!

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  5. How sweet! What a thoughtful gentleman!

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  6. What a treasure! He knew his mother's teacups would have a good home with you.

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  7. What a lovely gesture and sweet note. Christy in Tulsa

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  8. A very beautiful and touching gift. I thought I was reading a Saturday Tea Tale. I love his note about the teacups and life. So true!

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  9. A very beautiful and touching gift. I thought I was reading a Saturday Tea Tale. I love his note about the teacups and life. So true!

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  10. A very beautiful and touching gift. I thought I was reading a Saturday Tea Tale. I love his note about the teacups and life. So true!

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  11. I read the column Angela. I expected nothing less from The Tea Goddess of Coweta County.

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    1. You are too kind, Stuart! (Hope you're all ready for football season coverage!)

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  12. What a beautiful gesture, and I loved what Francis wrote. His mother raised a fine son, and she would be proud!

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  13. Wow so very touching... made my eyes water.. So wonderful that he thought to give them to you.. sometimes dishes etc.. get thrown out. It was also so wonderful that he wrote a note to go with them.. I agree chips they just don't matter really.. they are indeed very beautiful.. loved them as soon as I saw them.. very.nice.. with love Janice

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  14. Lovely story, Angela - how thoughtful of Francis. Those are beautiful tea cups and the note he wrote is so touching. I can't think of a better "home" for those tea cups than with you. Joanie

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  15. Wow. I teared up for this one. So precious.

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  16. What a sweet and thoughtful gift. They are beautiful.

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  17. Now those two teacups are to be cherished and held for sure. What a sweet gift.

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