I have sorted through all my parents’ treasures.

I have tried to save only things that are useful

or have precious memories attached to them.

I have washed or polished everything in that house.

The one thing that made me nervous was the fine china.

It is delicate looking with understated elegance, just like my mother.

It demands respect and careful handling…

My sister and I selected similar colors for our fine china, bone white with silver rims. We envisioned large family dinners using all three sets. My sister and I chose matching silver and crystal for these big events. They never happened. I have used my china three times in thirty eight years.

Ours patterns have lovely circles of colors and flowers.

Mama’s fine china did not get listed in the auction.

It was set out for the pickers sale. Someone could have bought it for a dollar. No one did.

My guess is they too were intimidated by its delicate beauty.

So this china has had over six decades of protection and isolation.

We gave the entire set to a friend. She was thrilled and thought it was lovely.

I hope she will enjoy using it often.

It needs to be useful. It needs to make memories.

Use that china!

WALL FLOWER

Dance while there’s music!