Tea and Sisterhood

February is the month for valentines and also the month I celebrate two of my sisters birthdays as well as my own. Seventeen years bridge the gap between youngest and oldest yet our differences are shared as we embrace our celebration each year.

Sisterhood can be celebrated back to 1848 when writer, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, used a tea table for the writing of an unsigned declaration for the "rights of women." And, in March 1906, this tea table stood proudly in place at the head of the casket of suffragist Susan B. Anthony. This tea table along with the declaration is a remarkable symbol of unity and the results of dedicated women with a mission to change and improve mankind.

Among many creative groups today is a small group called SIS (Spirit of Sisterhood). This supportive group came together when three sisters lost their mother to Alzheimer's disease. They watched as the woman who nurtured them through their youth slowly deteriorated and succumbed to the disease after an eight-year battle. After another close friend was lost at the early age of 38 to breast cancer, these women came together and decided to do use their healing time to create a positive support group that would help aid in the research in what had robbed them of two beautiful women in their lives.

Spirit in Sisterhood came together in October of 1999, just one year after the loss of their mother. The Humphrey sisters, realizing what a powerful connection they shared, began sharing and offering nourishing comfort, support and healing to other women. The sisters traveled for 2 years to various women's shows throughout Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee and devoted most of their time in developing their organization by sharing their story and inspiration. They met many beautiful people and listened to many stories of solidarity that touched their lives. Recently, the sisters decided to develop SIS through their web site, which contains a store with apparel and gifts with the SIS logo on them. The proceeds will help benefit Breast Cancer research and Alzheimer's research. You may also view Memory Lane on the site at Sis-Store.com and share your own story.

Because life offers us pleasures as well as pain, it is comforting to know there is always a mother, daughter, sister, or friend with whom to share it.

The time I share with my sisters is always treasured. They always keep my foundation solid and I share my poem,"The Four Sister Café," with you:

The 4 Sister Café

Seventeen years
bridge the gap,
A different generation
makes conversation distinct

The air fills with aromas
of four different teas.
Chamomile, Green,
Decaf and Lemon.

The china teapot is cracked,
it's age revealed.
It's beauty remains
untouched and admired.

The teacups do not match
each one reflects
a different flower
with unique character.

One would not know
by the looks of the
teacups that they
belong to the same set.

Caddy whispers begin,
cinnamon secrets unfold,
laughter fills the room.
The table is set for
The 4 Sisters Café

Our memories last
until
the next high tea.

© 2001
Cathy Fritea, Author
Tiny Hands Change the World

• Am I a Mother?
• Follow your Dreams
• Vision
• Heart of the Matter
• Tea and Sisterhood
• Chiropractic Care at Ground Zero