For as long as I can remember
I have used this mug for my morning coffee
but only at my mother-in-love and father-in-love’s home.
When we visited mom and dad in Indiana and in later years in St. Louis,
I always chose this mug over the many cups and mugs in the cupboard.
I liked the way it felt in my hand.
I liked the way the rim felt as I sipped my coffee.
I liked the design.
I have so many memories of sitting at their kitchen table in the mornings
–drinking coffee with them, listening to
stories, talking about daily life, and their grandkids who they loved dearly.
This morning I drank my coffee from this cup once again.
This time I drank it at my kitchen table.
and sipped the coffee
thinking of my husband’s sweet parents.
The coffee was slightly salty this morning —
the tears dripping into my cup
flowed freely
as I thanked God for the best
father and mother-in-love. Ever.
and yes,
I told them that over coffee more than a few times.
