Yesterday my stomach was upset so I decided not to have any dinner. When I finally felt a bit hungry later in the evening I opted for a mug of tea and a slice of cinnamon toast. This is one of my favorite mugs because it reminds me of my two daughters. Several Christmases ago we got tattoos on our left wrists. My oldest daughter has “Live.” My youngest daughter has “Laugh.” I have “love.”

This particular mug was filled with English Breakfast tea. My two absolute favorite teas are Constant Comment and Tulsi Sweet Rose. Constant Comment is a dark tea with orange undertones. It is soothing, tasty, and comforting. Tulsi Sweet Rose is a delicately flavored tea with hints of rose…in smell and taste. My sister actually introduced this tea to me several years ago during one of my anxious periods. She said it had helped her feel less anxious.

One of my dear friends from nursing school had pancreatic cancer in 2015. The last time I saw her in person I took her a mug with the word “Hugs” stamped on the side and a box of Tulsi Sweet Rose tea. She was also a psychiatric nurse. I loved that we had that in common. There are times that I really want to pick up my phone to set up a lunch date with her. Sadly, I can no longer do that, but I can sip a cup of this gentle rose tea and think of her.

The Power of a Mug of Tea

I find that when I take the time to hold a mug of tea I am often hit with memories of people who are no longer in my life. There is something comforting in the warmth of the mug in my hands, the steam curling up from the rim. When I drink tea and eat a piece of toast to soothe my stomach I often reminisce. I thought of Denise last evening as I had my snack. She would love that I am writing this blog.

I have two photos from nursing school hanging on a bulletin board next to my desk. One is a photo of my first clinical group. A group photo taken at an awards ceremony is the other photo. Denise was in both photos with me. I carry her in my heart. From time to time I post a note on her Facebook page. It makes me feel like she is still physically part of this world.

What Foods Comfort You?

I would love to hear about what foods comfort you. Are they the ones you have enjoyed all your life? I enjoy the link between food and memory. It is similar to how a smell or a song can trigger a memory. I will write about that in another post.

Thanks for reading. Please come back again soon!