The Little Cup

As most of you know, I am trying to research my past. Some of my past still lingers in my mind. Some I never knew and have been continuing to be surprised each day. Trying to keep it all straight, is a bit difficult. No, make that extremely difficult, causing insomnia. This is the little story I posted in my family history.
 

"8"

Remembering Great-Grandma

  

Discovering new ‘old’ things. I remember going to visit Grandma and Grandpa at the house on Edmund Avenue. At the time, I didn’t know that the house belonged to the little old lady who sat in the little bedroom at the back of the house. From time to time, I would peek through the door for a little girl visit. The only thing I knew about her, was that she was Great-Grandma.

She never came out to visit with the rest of the family, although I knew she could walk just fine. One Christmastime, she had this glass tree; it was like empty branches with sharp ends. Skewered on the ends of the branches were spiced gumdrops. It wasn’t very large; I would guess roughly about 8” in both directions. (I since, have acquired a plastic one, similar) We sat and chatted, eating spiced gumdrops, she in her chair and I on her bed. I have no idea what we talked about, what do little girls and very old ladies have to talk about? She was comfortable to be around and I liked our infrequent visits.

I thought I was 5-6 at the time, but the nearest numbers are seven going on eight, when she passed. My family and everyone else in the extended family, gathered for the Luau (As Tom and Gloria referred to the after burial, food and chat.) and I went into Grandma's bedroom. The door was shut and they had all these pretty things on her bed. They were dividing Great-Grandma’s personal property.  Someone said to leave. Okay, here’s the thing, only certain little girls received her things. I have always been a little pushy when I don’t think something’s right. I told them I wanted something, and then I would leave. To shut me up placate me, I got the little cup and saucer. Grandma said, not to tell anybody. I guess I sold out cheap, didn’t I?

I used to think it was horrible to have her shut away like that, but now that I’m a Great-Grandma, I can see the point. It was probably her choice. I always think of her when I look at my little cup. Somewhere out there is the rest of the set – the bottom of this one is marked ‘8’, in gold paint.