The Good China

About three years ago, we helped my in-laws sort through their stuff to downsize and move into a senior living facility.  

It was a long and tedious process.  As always, the more space you have, the more things people tend to possess and accumulate.  So many years of memory and stuff -- useful or not -- has become such a part of our lives that it is hard to let go.  

Aside from the furniture, clothes and books, my in-laws also had cupboards full of pots and pans, serving wares, silverwares, crystals and sets of dishes.  During the move, some of the fancy stuff were either passed along to siblings who were interested or sold.  Like a new car driven off the lot, these things were expensive to buy, but they were almost worthless when resold.  At the end. our seniors chose to bring some of their crystal goblets, a set of "good china" and a set of "regular dishes" to their new abode.

Like before, at their apartment, they continued to use their regular dishes and the stainless steel flatwares.  The crystals and the good china just sit in the cabinets.  I have been part of the family for almost thirty years, but I have never eaten out of those dishes, nor have I seen them used.  When were they ever employed?  What special occasion are we waiting for?

Last year, for Christmas Eve, Mike offered to make dinner at the apartment.  It turned out to be the first dinner ever prepared at the apartment since Mom and Dr Jack moved in.  It was kinda special.  Yet, we ate with the regular dishes.

During our visit we found out that Dr Jack enjoyed drinking red wine occasionally.  He did not know a lot about wine, but he liked Pinot Noir, so that was what he always ordered.  During the COVID 19 lockdown, Mike and I have come to enjoy a particular Cabernet Sauvignon.  "The next time we go to Michigan, let's bring a bottle of this Cabernet to drink with Dr Jack.  And we will use the nice crystals." I suggested.  Unfortunately, the idea came too late.

We went to see Mom a couple of time since Dr Jack's death.  She now has to face a new phase of her life where she will be living alone, and possibly eating alone everyday using the regular dishes.

On our way home, I suggested to Mike, "When should we start?  When you retire?  Or when I officially become a 'senior'?  We should use our good china and the nice wine goblets.  They were wedding gifts for us.  We don't have to save them for anybody else but ourselves."

Every day is a special day that is worth celebrating, particularly when you have lived beyond a certain age and have someone to celebrate it with you.  

Eat with your good china.  Drink using your crystals.  You have earned it.  Don't wait till the occasion expires.