A “GIANT” Cup of Tea

3/13/10 My natural body rhythms seem to be at “peak” in the morning. Even at that, I usually have a “cuppa” to get me going. George Orwell says, “All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.” A good warm caffeinated** “cuppa” and God’s word. Both stimulate and refresh my soul.

Sipping and savoring. Because of my MAC cancer surgery, I’m actually still sipping through a straw. Somehow the ritual of sipping tea loses some of its bliss when slurping it down through a plastic straw. Plus, the lips aren’t there to warn one of the impending temperature. This morning, I decided to take the plunge and sip my tea sans straw. Not exactly pretty. A little dribble, a little drool, a little drip. Intake began on the left side of my mouth as I tilted my head---then slurping sounds as I veered the steamy liquid to the right side of my mouth where I could no longer feel it. Oh so much more to savor----with a straw it seems to pass the taste buds and go straight down the throat. Eventually I felt drips on my chin and even saw a few that had “appeared” on my nightshirt. Probably won’t be sipping in public for a while longer but the endeavor was commemorated with a few pirouettes in front of the loveseat at Buddy & Day’s. Progress---that’s what I felt as I faced this challenge. Just a little obstacle, but one that felt like a giant. It was robbing me of one of the joys of my life. My friend, Tricia, told me I’m too hard on myself so I’m giving myself a break---that’s why I’m celebrating these small steps toward my much bigger goal.

We all have “giants” to face. Even sipping (slurping) a cup of tea, or at least the embarrassment that comes with it, can loom large in one’s psyche. At this juncture in my life, the aesthetic pleasure of tea drinking is something I don’t want to give up. Help me face down my giant. Celebrate with me over a cup of tea.

**Sorry Dr. Albritton---One of the advantages of surviving cancer is realizing that some things are crucial in life---some people eat extra scoops of ice cream, I indulge with caffeinated tea in the morning.