Nell Minow

My parents were married on May 29, 1949. The next day they flew to Bermuda for their honeymoon. It was my mother’s first plane ride. As they explored the island, they came across a Wedgewood bone china tea set, a pattern called Wheatear.

They brought it home but never used it. It was just for what they called “the look-at shelf.” In the apartment they shared in the last decades of their lives, it was on display in their bedroom.

When my sisters and I went through the apartment, we found a small note from my mother in the teapot, as she left in many of her most cherished items. It told the story of their first married purchase.

The tea set arrived in our house this spring. My mother did not like hot drinks, but I love tea, both the beverage and the afternoon ceremony. And so, I resolved to give the Bermuda honeymoon tea set a fitting debut. I invited some beloved friends and served them afternoon tea with flowers on the table. We had fruit, pastries and homemade ginger biscotti and Grand Marnier souffle.

My parents, who were married for 72 very happy years, treasured the tea set for the memories it carried. Now we treasure it for the memories it will continue to make.