Can I get you a cup of tea?

If you are wondering why the "freezerburntbrit" is not writing blogs any more it's because he is here with me drinking cups of tea. I must be on my 5th cup of tea today. Michael keeps offering me a "cuppa" everytime he brews one for himself.
I could very well say no!, but there is something very comforting about a cup of tea that keeps making me come back for more, and it has for 31 years.
I know I am not alone in this. When I married Michael 31 years ago, and moved from Lima - Peru to England I discovered a whole nation addicted to this strange mixture of brewed tea leaves and milk.

As a nation of "stiff upper lip" people who find it very hard to express their feelings, and very embarrassing to listen to people express theirs; offering a cup of tea is the handiest, most caring, friendliest way to deal with any situation from birth to death, disaster or celebration.
It is so versatile, and it says things for you when words are awkward. It makes friends for you when you do not know what to say, it expresses sympathy, love, caring...

"Hello, come in, can I get you a cup of tea?"
"Well done Mrs. Mellars it's a boy! Can I get you a cup of tea?"
"Oh, I am so sorry you lost your boyfriend... can I get you a cup of tea?"
"I have some news to tell you. Let's go and get a cup of tea!"

In fact, there is even a profession designed to make sure this tradition is carried out throughout the population. She is a formidable institution - the Tea Lady.
The middle-aged matronly lady appears at ten in the morning, and there again at four PM in her gingham blue cap and matching apron pushing her trolley (US: cart) in the offices, hospitals, public and private places. She is not quiet. She is not expected to be, her accent is not soft and cultivated... "cup of tea, love? " "There you are, duckie, how's your mum"? "Milk and one sugar?" "There, there...have a cuppa, it will make you feel better!"

Having a cup of tea provides padding to any event we may encounter or have to endure. A buffer to life's unexpected discomforts, it envelopes you like a giant pillow where you can hide your face when you feel vulnerable.

There you are duckie, have a cup of tea!

Thought for the Day:

"He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief .. (Isaiah 53:3 ...) read more in "In the midst of my journey through this life"DANTE