A Gift of China

Though I often moan and groan about the trials and tribulations of being a CPA and our many demanding deadlines, one thing I'm blessed with is wonderful clients. I'm 40 years into my career and have weeded out clients that I have personality conflicts with or those that just aren't fun to deal with.  The result is that I have wonderful clients, many of whom have become good friends and family.  I have many multi-generational clients, one of whom is Barbara. I met Barbara through her mother and have been involved with them for at least 20 years.  Barbara's mother is no longer with us but we still enjoy talking about our memories of her.

Recently, Barbara called with some tax questions.  She is selling her home and downsizing. During the course of the conversation she talked of the frustration of trying to decide what to keep and give away and of heirlooms or special items that family doesn't want. She is single, with no children, and said that some things were just going in a shed and her nieces and nephews could deal with it when she dies! I asked what she had and one of the things she mentioned was a set of china that her parents had gifted to her.  I thought that sad that no one in her family wanted it and I told her of the tea parties my family had. She said "I am going to send this to you!"

A few days later two HUGE boxes show up at my office from her.  I thought "ah, oh, what have I gotten myself into?  I don't have room for all this!" I opened one box and found the tea pot.  It is so pretty!  We went racing for a few weeks so the boxes sat. I am having a tea for my granddaughter and her friend this weekend and decided that I should use this china for the tea. I brought everything home and unpacked it.  Much to my delight, it's a small china set, just very carefully wrapped so that it took two boxes to transport it safely! A tea pot, coffee pot, creamer, sugar, 6 cups and saucers, and 6 dessert plates make up the set.  This will be much easier to find a place for!

I asked for some history on the china.  Barbara said her parents bought it when her father was stationed in Germany, approximately 1963. They bought a set for each of her sisters, too, to go in the girls' hope chests (that's a tradition that's gone away!) The set is made by Winterling Finest Bavarian China, pattern 125. It's got pink and white roses, and gold scalloped edges.  It's very simple and dainty! I'm honored that Barbara has entrusted me with this sentimental china set. She knows it will definitely be used!