For Mary Alice’s birthday, she asked for tea time.

My mother has been collecting tea cups and saucers since before I was born. I can remember searching antique stores and flea markets every year for her birthday and mother’s day for the perfect addition to her treasures. She would ooh and ahh over each one as she opened them and add them to her special china cabinet.

Last year, mom surprised me by sending me one of her cherished sets.

I decided Mary Alice’s birthday tea request with grandma would be the perfect time to break it in.

The morning didn’t go as planned.

At ballet, we had a small party for her class and she was a little overwhelmed with the attention. My plan to go home and make little sandwiches and tea was quickly replaced by reassuring my littlest girl that we could take today slowly and just sit outside together for a little while.

Driving through Chick-fil-A and cold milk served in the tea cups became the new plan.

Mom and Dad face timed us and I watched as Mary Alice and Sebastian laughed and talked with them. Mom had set up the perfect tea with sandwiches, chips (for dad of course!), and tea. She used her china and her tiered stands. It was just beautiful. Not once did she ask why on earth the table was covered in fast food bags.

I took a deep breath and sat back, just enjoying them spending time together 2,200 miles away.

Then, they asked if she would like to open her presents from them. She giggled and said, ‘this is my present!’ Goodness. This girl.

She proudly displayed her gifts as they told her why they chose them for her.

Some days I cannot wait to be a grandparent. I hope I build up my children and grandchildren as my parents build me up. I’m a blessed girl. Thank you, mom and dad. It was a gift for me, too.