Rose Tea Cottage

Where tea is served at half past four





One of my dearest friends, Nellie wrote this comment on my last post.

"Amen Duchess,
Great post hon, and it is so true.
Mother Theresa said a lot of great statements. One I really loved was when asked what we could do to promote world peace, she simply said, go home and love your family!!
How very true, cause sometimes we can treat strangers way better than we treat the ones we live with everyday. We really have to check ourselves! Thanks for sharing this inspirational post.
Blessings, Nellie "
~~~~~~~
Nellie's comment reminded me of a book I saw several years ago, at a local charity shop...a small pink book. Needless to say, the little darling came home with me and has been a constant companion of mine. The following story is printed on the first page of this book. Please take a moment and read this sweet story, I assure you it will bring tears to your eyes... good tears!!
If you would like to visit Nellie, you can find her at Nellie's Cozy Place.




I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
But the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "
Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mum, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers,
especially the blue."





59 comments:

Lola said...

Darling Duchess!

What a beautifully thoughtful and reflective post!

btw I must apologize on behalf of my truly inefficient and negligent P.A., Nora, who omitted to add my deeply profond comments to your recent posts! I will be having *words* with her...!!

xx Dame Nora & Damette Lola:)

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Duchess... yes, my tears are flowing... thank you for sharing this most beautiful tale... xoxo Julie Marie

Beki said...

Red eyed and puffy face, yes that's me at the moment.
That was a beautiful post Duchess and oh so very true.

Beki xxx

rosenrot said...

Meine liebe Duchess, Du möchtest die Welt verbessern und machst das im "Kleinen" zu Hause bei deiner Familie, kann das sein? Denn diese wunderbare Geburtstagsfeier für deinen Sohn, köstliche Torten und andere Leckereien ... alles für die Familie, auch dein liebevoll eingerichtetes Heim! Das mag ich sehr an Dir, denn das ALLEINE ist wichtig für Dich! Hoffentlich verstehst Du die Übersetzung und meine Gedanken kommen richtig bei Dir an
herzliche Grüße
Marlies

Hetty Summers said...

Duchess indeed it brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely story and so true. I am going home to hug my son and hubby.

Hetty xoxo

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a lovely post, Duchess. Sad though! It brings back a memory from when my oldest son was about ten years old. He had brought me a bouquet of purple Lupins, but they were so full of bugs, that there were bugs everywhere; and I mean EVERYWHERE! My hubby made me throw them out. I felt so badly about throwing them out and that, I believe was the last bouquet my son ever brought me, until he was an adult. Thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Unknown said...

So true dahhling, definitely gives one something to think about. I like to say that a smile is is free, you should give them out, and the same is true with being polite. It takes no skin of anyone's back to be nice, but it makes such a difference to how you make people feel and how they react to you in return.
Thanks for your lovely comment on my new blog, your opinion means a lot to me.
*kisses* HH

mompetitlapin said...

Duchess we just returned from Spain and must say we had a lovely lovely time. Believe me when I say your blog is the first one I clicked on. It looks fantastic, you have now inspired me to work on mine.

à bientôt

jordiegirl said...

Very true Duchess and good lesson to us all.

I know I do the very same things to my family but I am so polite to strangers. I have pondered over this in the past and felt quite guilty.

I think perhaps sometimes we take our loved ones for granted and we shouldn't.

I know there is a saying which goes 'You can choose your friends, but not your family'.

Well, I chose my husband, and he and my son are my family, so it is possible to choose family and make the right choice.

From experience of so called 'friends' which I have chosen over the years many of them have let me down in more ways than one. I have made some bad choices over the years; so I am sticking to my family.

Thanks for the lovely post.

Janean said...

duchess, you touched my heart. lovely post. lovely photos.

Debbiedoos said...

Oh Duchess that was precious! Would bring any Mum to tears! Have a wonderfu day!

Rosemary and Pink said...

Duchess tears are rolling and rolling. Sweet, sweet story. I just want to go home and hug my kids.

Rosemary

My Passport to Style said...

Dear Duchess, what a poem,you almost feel you could be there, the picture painted is so moving. As a mother of 3 boy's it brought a tear to my eye and moved my heart in a good way! We all need to be reminded to be kind and respectful of the ones closest to us! Sharon xxxooo

Katy Noelle said...

May I just whisper that I am, indeed, crying. I truly appreciate when something or someone comes along to open my eyes and encourage me. Being human and frail, I can certainly get into a cranky rut sometimes and become immune to the wonderful riches of my husband, three sons, friends and even the breath of life that I'm given. I wonder if you would know what I mean if I said that while being thankful, at the same time, I can be dim sighted to what it fully is that I am thankful for.

This is too long of a response - oh well, the deed is done. A beautiful lady once said something so insightful to me. She said, "sometimes, when a seed is planted, we should just cover it with earth and water it and let it grow instead of holding it in our hand for everyone to see."

Now, since I'm on a roll ... I have been around the Land of Blog a bit since I discovered it 3 months ago. I have observed that wherever your gracious feet have passed, flowers are springing up in their imprint!

Love, Katy Noelle xxo

Deborah said...

Oh so true. Goodness, is this your little man? Beautiful beautiful boy...stunning photo. **kisses** Deb

Uzbe Girl said...

no under stan Duchess, i transalt me sister for me.

Olga

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Oh my Duchess I think you posted this for nasty mom Deb. I snapped @ my teen yesterday for always criticizing me & I didn't handle it very well. This poem is magnificent and well taken. You truly have a finger on the pulse. The photo of the wee boy is priceless. You are truly the best I hope you know?

Love you my friend xoxo

Deanna said...

Dearest Duchess, I remember when I heard that Mother Theresa said this about going home and loving our families.

Also when she held up an infant and said grown people are afraid of these...these!!!

The sensitivity you have shared is touching and I know if all Christians were tender hearted toward the Holy Spirit we'd be blessed.

You have done the right thing apologizing to your son and appreciating the sweet flowers he picked.

God bless and I'm so glad you posted this.
d

Kissed by an Angel said...

Dearest Duchess, I have seen that poem before, and it made me cry then as now!! It is easy to mistreat and take for granted the people that we love the most!!! It's crazy when you think about it!!! We need to take a very large leaf out of Mother Theresa's book!!!
xxxx

Marilyn Miller said...

The story is beautiful, especially the blue.

Morena said...

Ormai non so più cosa dire...veramente entrare nel tuo blog è come entrare in un altro mondo!!..sembra quasi irreale..vengo qui per sognare un pò...le tuo foto sono fantastiche...magari potessi farle così!!Complimenti !!!!!!!

ciao Morena

Madelief said...

Dear Dutchess,

What a beautiful story! Is that handsome litte boy your son?!

Have a lovely evening!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Unknown said...

That is the sweetest poem. I have heard that often. I am ashamed to say that I have been the culprit of not seeing those precious moments and let them slip by occasionally when my children were growing up. I am especially sensitive to my grandchildren now. (sigh) What a blessing those little ones are in our lives. And just being kind to a stranger, will hopefully repeat itself to others who come their way. LOVEd your post today Duchess, have a wonderful weekend! warm hugs and smiles...

Anonymous said...

aww very sweet :-)

I went to parents evening last week, and my 5yr old had written in her very first proper writing text book "my mummy is a beautiful as a flower"

they are so cute when they are small! :-)

Rose XXX

North West London Girl said...

Darling beautiful Duchess, this is a delightful post, and yes a little tear did come to my eye, and it made me think of the times (not too many) when I may say something to my own little bundle of love and see the hurt in his eyes. My heart breaks and I feel terrible, but I know I'm a good mum and he loves me and that I am allowed to make mistakes xxx

Anonymous said...

the people we love most should be treated the best,....this takes real effort....

go home and love your families!

love that!
ciao bella!

carmelina

Cooking with Laura said...

Duchess such e,otional story. I must confess that I have been guilty of such conduct when my children were growing. Life was though and time limited. I wish I had read this story then. Thank you Duchess, for offering so much in a post to us.

Laura

All things nice... said...

Duchess,

What a wonderful post :) Lovely story, it's one you'd always like to remember :)Thanks for stopping by my blog, I love receiving your comments and your blog is so delightful :) You are a true lady

All things nice...

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Dear Duchess,
What a lovely surprise to be used as a subject in your blog. Thank you
I am honored. what a lovely post it was too. That is an inspired poem for sure. I have heard it before but have know idea who wrote it.
Do you???
I am so glad the Lord used me to spark your memory so you could share it with all of us,
cause it is surely a poem that will make you think!
Cause so many times we can squash the good deed of someone else.
I remember once when my husband was laid off, my best friends teenage son babysat for us, and when I tried to pay him he said No
we didn't need to pay him, and so
when we arrived at his house after I drove him home, I said Please Eric let me pay you honey, really,
we have the money, and he said to me "Quit trying to take away my blessing", and I was smitten in my heart, by the words of a 14 yr old teenager! How precious! Cause really when we don't allow someone to do something nice for us, that is exactly what we do.
I think we all get great joy out of doing something nice for someone else but it also hurts or dashes our hopes when someone doesn't receive our gift.
Well, you have a delightful day
and thank you again for being so
sweet to mention me, and because of it I was blessed with 3 new followers. You have been a blessing to me today in more than one way, sweet Duchess
Blessings hon,
Nellie

Frog Hollow Farm Girl said...

Sweet greetings Duchess! What a wonderful post - it did bring tears to my eyes and tells a story so very common to us all in this crazy time we live in. It's such a simple message, but hard to remember, why is that? Take care! Ciao, bella!

Anonymous said...

How sweet is that? I love that story and the photo of the little boy in your post reminds me of my Ian when he was wee. You made a mother happy today.

VM Creation Atelier said...

How beautifulis these post,my dearest Duchess!-)*

And all the best words what I ever heard about the LOVE for you familie!

Thank you,my sweet friend for you heartwarming and deep impressed post here!-)))*

Much Love and springly blessed days,

***Violetta***

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

My dear, what a delightful blog you have. Such a lovely post. Thank you for visiting my page and for the lovely comment. I will be back! LaurieAnna

Lisa said...

Oh how great! I just love coming by your blog! It is like a breath of fresh air! Lovely and sweet!
Hugs, Lisa

Selba said...

I have read this story before for some quite time ago, it's really nice to read it and being reminded again on how we treat our loved ones. Thanks for sharing this sweet story, Duchess.

PriyaRaj said...

Ohh wow wht a beautiful story dear ...Tears came out of my control..thanx for sharing dear ...

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Perfect! Thanks so much for that lovely piece found in your pink treasure.

And I love the beautiful wisdom of Mother Teresa.

As always, a real treat to come and visit, Duchess!

linda said...

Hello Duchess i so enjoy your blog this little ditty was just so heart felt and so true thank you for shareing:)


PS the tea is wonderful and the music charming and the company is out of this wourld:)

yyam said...

Thank you for sharing this...

We always want to put forth our best selves in front of strangers so that they'll have a good impression of us...even though we might never ever see these people again...

I say we be nice and thoughtful to all, especially the ones we love the most.

Have a beautiful weekend! :)

Catherine said...

Oh my Duchess ~ how sweet is the blond haired wee cherub holding onto the little kitty ~ how cute!

Lovely post!

Jolie Rosie said...

Precious Duchess you are correct about the tears, what a precious tory to share with us. Have a fab day.

Rose said...

Hello there Duchess
Completely true, I am guilty of sometimes treating those I hardly know better than family. I think everyone I know besides my mother does this.
I was so excited to see that your niece and yourself made the croquettes! Whenever I type up a recipe I always hope it turns out the same as it did for me as anyone else who decided to try it.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Rose

BALLET NEWS said...

Darling Duchess you never fail to inspire. Happy Weekend to you

Mela said...

You were right about the tears...This story is so sweet!
Have a nice weekend, and thanks for sharing.
xx Mela

:) said...

Oh so very pretty blog! Love it!

Vær våken said...

Oh, I got tears in my eyes. Beautiful story! And it is so true the people closest to us are the one we should treat with most love!!! Happy weekend!

Michela said...

Duchess, you're such a sensitive lady and I'm very honoured to have met you in Blogshire! Have a great weekend xxxx

♥zoe♥ said...

Dear Duchess,
That's is so touching:) reminds me i really need to love more to my loved ones! I am so glad and sad why didn't i realize this earlier and thank god it's not too late to tell all my family members how much i really love them! Thank you SOOOO MUCH. I love you Duchess it's precious post and it means a lot to me by reading such wonderful story.

Jeanne Henriques said...

That was so sweet and yes it did bring tears to my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful story. It is a good reminder to us all:)
Jeanne

Queen B. said...

ooooooo my dear duchess..........
thank YOU . thank YOU for this beautiful reminder that we need to be oh so mindful of our actions at home.
I raise my voice too often than not...
thank you.
xo

La Petite Gallery said...

This choked me up, Very lovely poem.
Thank you Dutchess, for sharing
with us.. yvonne.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Oh wow! Such wise words. I do believe our homes should be a place of refuge not where we are beaten down. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

goosepimples...and tears. if only everyone could read those words and take the message into their hearts - how different a place the world would be.
your photographs are very lovely too (as always).

xxx

Kittie Howard said...

Duchess, my eyes misted over. I am guilty of sometimes being too rushed,so really took your poem to heart. Thank you, thank you!

Crazy About Films said...

Very nice. I am a big fan of short stories and this one take the cake.

Mimi said...

HI my dear Dutchess friend!!!
We worked on our curtsy some this week, she got the bend down, but the hand movement, not so much!!!
we shall perfect it so she can curtsy to you!!!!
You are a real living doll, so love coming by and seeing what great things you have written for us to read!!!!!
It is great things to live by!!!!
Have a very special Sunday!!!!
hugs,
jamie

Rizzi said...

HELLO MY DEAR DUCHESS,
I HAVE BEEN OFF THE BLOG BECAUSE OF ALL THE STORMY WEATHER WE WERE HAVING--- AGAIN, KNOCKED DOWN MORE TREES, AND DAMAGED MORE LINES, DISCONNECTING OUR PHONES, AND LAP TOPS. I HOPE THIS IS THE END OF IT....... BUT......I AM BACK AND MISSED YOU SO MUCH. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY MY BLOG, I LOVE YOUR POST, HOW WE DO THINGS, AND SAY THINGS SO HARSHLY WITHOUT REALIZING IT. THIS POEM IS A GOOD REMINDER TO STOP, AND COUNT TO TEN, AND THEN SPEAK. LOVE YOU DUCHESS, GOOD TO BE BACK, HOPE YOUR DAD IS ENJOYING ALL THE SUNSHINE, MY REGARDS TO HIM. LADY RIZZI

Snigdha said...

What a lovely post with a great lesson we all need to learn...So true .I couldnt just control my tears. Thanks for sharing.I am loving your blog more and more.

si said...

hi...i am brazilian and i saw your blog...beautiful...beautiful....i love your images...you have a good taste...congratulations:)
hugs from Brasil sisi

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