Calling mothers, daughters, and sons everywhere to a very special tea time. It’s one full of heart and especially memories. An opportunity to spend some “quality time” with that most special person in your life, the one who ushered you into the world (or was there to love you as your adoptive mother) and supported you physically, emotionally, and psychologically ever after. If you can’t spend time with her in person, you can have tea with the memory of her.

Mother’s Day has been a wonderful tradition in the U.S. since 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a declaration that the second Sunday in May would be dedicated to every mother in the country. Motherhood itself has been around a lot longer…a whole lot longer! Makes me wonder why it took so long to have a special day designated. No matter. Once it was designated, people have been making the most of it.

I have recently celebrated one more birthday than my mother did, that is, I am now one year older than she was when she died decades ago. She was fairly young (by my standards) but succumbed to a weak heart and other ailments resulting from malnutrition in her development years (having grown up in the Great Depression of the 1930s and 1940s). Not trying to be morose here. The point is that sometimes we have to invite the memory of our mothers to the party when they can’t be there in the flesh. Since my hubby’s mother is also gone, we invite her memory, too.

That tea party with maternal spirits is very special. Some say that memory is selective, that we only remember the good things. Not always so. I remember when I was a brat and got stood in the corner or sent to bed without supper (sort of a dietetic “time out”). That memory gets balanced out by the time my mother was so concerned about the upset stomach I had after gobbling down breakfast too fast. Mothers are like that.

So, how do you celebrate Mother’s Day with your mother’s memory? That’s up to you. A photo or two is a great place to start. Then, steep up a real motherly tea. Harney & Sons has a special blend, which could be a great choice. Don’t forget the fruity and floral teas and herbals that abound. Of course, the champagne-like taste of Darjeeling is another great option. Let’s not count out the more hearty teas, like Assams with their rich, malty taste. If you prefer to serve chilled (iced) tea, you can use any of these. I find that a thinner Assam can make a great chilled tea, tasty with or without sweetener.

Since this is a sort of pretend Mother’s Day teatime, you can set out whatever treats you fancy having with the tea you have chosen. Fresh fruits are always a great option. But, then, what the heck, some tea cakes or other fattening treats are good, too. After all, she’s not there in person to tell you they’ll ruin you figure and you’ll never attract a husband and then die an old maid…uh, where was I? Oh, yeah, teatime with mom’s memory.

Don’t forget to toast your mother’s photo with your mug or glass of tea in memory of all those motherly things she did over the years. Enjoy!

Read more wonderful posts by A.C. on her blog, Tea Time with A.C. Cargill.