Wings Of A Nightingale

Ebtisam(not her real name) came from the Middle East. Four decades ago, her family broke roots from a place she termed as “stagnant” and replanted themselves in what she called the “land of the free and home of possibilities and opportunities”.

It was a challenge to start a life in a country distinctly different from where they came from. They struggled to outwit social and economic barriers to survive in a country with an entirely different culture and environment. But they were able to cope as they aimed for the so-called “American Dream”, just like many hopeful and determined immigrants.

When she was able to save some money, the one precious item that she purchased from a second hand store was a pair of Royal Albert teacup and saucer set. She and her husband used it everyday to drink their morning tea. It served as a common and strong bond between them.

As years went by, her grown-up children had a family of their own. She and her husband were both retired and receiving Social Security benefits. Her aging husband, although able to walk with the aid of a cane, was no longer capable of providing personal care to her. She herself was wheelchair bound.

Time came when the hardest and heart-wrenching decision had to be made…to have her be transferred to a skilled nursing facility, where her needs can be catered 24-7. She hesitantly agreed as at that point in time, it was the right option.

Even when she is already living in a skilled nursing facility, they still continue their morning tea rendezvous. Four times a week, her husband arrived at around nine in the morning with a thermos of freshly brewed tea.

They will sit at the corner table in the facility’s dining area. She would take out their cup and saucer set from a wooden box, each piece delicately wrapped with a soft cloth, and carefully set on the table

Happiness and contentment radiated on their faces while savoring the sweetness and earthiness flavor of their morning tea. Just the two of them, like the old times.

-©Lark-

(2013)2022