The smell of coffee brewing
woke John and as he lay in bed trying to get in gear he thought
about the barn filled with cars, neon signs, pinball machines,
jukebox, slots and a door with locks that had not been opened
in years. As he snuggled under the covers of the king size Sleigh
bed he pondered how to approach Hook with his curiosity. Sarah
was starting to stir and opening her eyes she looked at John
and smiled. She gave him a long romantic kiss and said, "Morning
Darling, I love you." Facing each other, John asked her
how the visit with her mother went. Sarah thought for a second
and said, "Pappy was my mother's inspiration and I learned
so much about him. Yet mother says there's a whole lot more."
John was getting dressed as Sarah put on her bathrobe. They were
both ready for coffee and the possible adventures of a new day
at Diamond Hearts Farm.
As they walked arm in arm down
the grand staircase, Mimi was waiting at the bottom step. "It's
about time," she said, with her reading glasses sitting
on the edge of her nose. "Mother, its only 8:00 a.m.".
Ignoring Sarah's remark, Mimi took John's arm and walked him
into the dining room. John pulled out his mother-in-laws chair
and waited for her to be seated before taking his own chair.
After they were all seated, Hook poured coffee from a beautiful
Reed & Barton silver service and handed Mimi the morning
paper. He then announced, "Breakfast is ready."
The meal was served on silver
platters. It consisted of scrambled eggs, fruit, and pancakes
with no butter, dry wheat toast, potatoes and extra crisp bacon.
Mimi's breakfast china was a gift from Pappy after he broached
her one morning about paper plates and Styrofoam cups. That day
she had all the dishes removed from the estate and with bare
cupboards, empty china cabinet and baron buffet she informed
Pappy that unless he apologized, every meal from then on would
be served on paper plates. Realizing she was dead serious he
apologized and it was accepted. They later sat down to a meal
of steak, potatoes, salad, bread and desert all served on 8"
paper plates. Pappy said, "And our china is where?"
Mimi replied, "At the second hand store along with all the
crystal." The next morning and every morning since, breakfast
was served on the blue Currier & Ives Weeping Willow china.
Diamond Hearts Farm never saw another paper plate, styrofoam
cup or any other plastic utensils.The morning paper was part
of a daily routine ongoing for over twenty-five years and today
was no exception. It lay unopened on the right side of Mimi's
place setting. Also routine were fresh flowers gracing the center
of the massive mahogany dining room table and a single rose in
a crystal bud vase in front of Mimi's plate. Next to the rose
there was always a simple card from Pappy. Mimi opened the card
and in Pappy's handwriting she read,
My darling Diva today is the last card you will open from
me as our lives are now separated by heaven and earth. Darling,
you were my candle of hope, a princess who became a queen, a
mother who is a goddess and a life partner who was committed
to growth for her family.
Through your eyes of wisdom, a soft heart that was filled
with love, you live by example. You are the true definition of
gentleness and integrate. You taught me to improve myself, to
see the ways I could improve while living life to the fullest
sharing truth, goodness, honor and glory. My days were filled
with your sunshine, your soft gentle touch and positive outlook
that we greeted each day with. Our time-tested relationship blessed
with a full life giving me the power to share from my heart unselfish
love. Mimi, you helped me see everything in its proper perspective
and helped me gain a peace of mind that never ended. You are
an angel of kindness and consideration. You lifted the spirits
of all who knew us showing them a path that is rich in rewards
with a light that never dimmed.
Darling, thank you for hearing my dreams. Thank you for
truth. Thank you for giving my life meaning. Thank you for being
part of the dream and thank you for encouraging me to live the
dream.
Mimi, you filled my heart with an abundance of love while
giving the greatest earthly gift possible, yourself.
I love you today, tomorrow and forever.
God bless you, our children, our grandchildren and the
polished Diamond Heart we became."
Love, Tommy
As the tears rolled down her rosy cheeks Mimi folded the note
and put it next to her heart. She whispered to herself, "Morning
Tommy. I love you."
