WOW !!!! That is my reaction to this year’s Daffodil Tea.
I am not sure where to start — perhaps at the beginning.
It was February of this year that I decided to use the knowledge and notes from last year’s tea to be more organized and efficient in the planning. In February I started to chose pictures to print for cards and get the posters etc. ready. It was easier since I had everything on file from last year. Then it happened — one dark evening outside our home I tripped on a slab of concrete that had heaved up with the ice and fell down two concrete steps. I broke my left arm at the neck of the humerus, badly sprained my right wrist, split open my chin which required stitches and had a black eye. In the ensuing two and a half months I learned many things:
My husband Ron can cook, clean, wash my hair and take care of me.
My friends from inside and outside of church are the best cooks — a cookbook for next year perhaps?
I do not need to do all things as there is a thing called delegation.
The hardest thing was remembering that our son Kenneth was in hospital for five months and much more incapacitated than I was. It was heartbreaking knowing that what I was experiencing was nothing compared to what he went through. Yet during those five months he never complained to us about his illness. He laughed and loved to the fullest and it made me even more determined to keep fundraising to perhaps make a difference for someone else.
Yes the Daffodil Tea would go on and be even better than last year.
We decided to use my china cups and in my days of non movement I discovered ebay! I would sit searching the web and buy more lovely teacups at bargain prices — I had plenty time. Lucy and Kim from church came by and along with my husband they washed and packed 72 china cups. They also (not Ron) went out and bought various dishes for butter jam and cream. Then we had to have cake stands — it was going to be a regal tea. Along came Deanna with her creative talents and offered to get and arrange the flowers. Sharon and Sheila spent many hours pricing and writing cards.
When my right hand was OK I got busy at the computer creating invitation cards to send out. As it approached the day my house was filled with donations for the silent auction — Paua shell necklaces from my sister in New Zealand and copper wire bookmarks made by her friend. Cross stiches from Melissa which showed hours of love. Hand made beaded jewelry from Pauline a friend in England. Raggedy Ann dolls made by my friend Mary in the hot Florida sun and finished in Cape Cod. A soft pink shawl made by Ruth who is in her eighties. A child’s quilt and quilted bag made by two ladies at the school I work and live at. A bracelet and necklace from two women at the hospital I work at. It was truly amazing to see the generosity of people. It was all about friendships, love and helping one another. Those and many more were donated with much love and creativity.
Kim O from church took over the entire organization of the silent auction. I was “released” from my sling three weeks before the Tea but still limited — no lifting. Along came my friend Willo and organized and labelled boxes and boxes full of stuff. My pastor Gina and assistant Victoria were there behind me all the way and the church sponsored and allowed me to fulfill my dream. The day was almost here and the baking skills of Nancy and Lucy came to the fore, making lemon squares, Viennese swirls, date squares and millionaire shortbread. These were a great addition to my shortbread and scones.
The night before we were permitted to get into the hall and set up. Once again many hands make light work and in two hours the tables were draped in sage green cloths and the delicate china cups were carefully placed. God bless Joe and Stuart who bravely helped and were given orders by all the women. The floral arrangements in pinks and yellow and burgundy brought Nature to the tables.
THE DAY ARRIVES
It was meant to rain on May 7th but we awoke to sunshine. As we walked into the hall the layout of tables set for tea, the silent auction table and the goods for sale said one thing; LOVE. Kenneth said or wrote “I love you” so many times in his illness and love was so evident through the work and hands of others. Everyone had a good time and bought and bid for many things. Two wonderful pictures I remember are two mothers sitting with their children having tea. The proud look in moms’ eyes and the children feeling special having tea with mom. Then there was Sadie — I am not sure who she was but I have the picture of Libby bending over in conversation with her as Sadie’s daughter went to bid at the silent auction. Sadie is in her nineties and she said, “This is just lovely.” People and friends returned again and renewed friendships. Someone said “You can feel God’s love in this room.” The Daffodil Tea finished at 12 noon but the work continued with all those cups to be washed!! Thank you Terry, Willo and all other “downstairs help.”
As we put the last box in the car the rain started and as we drove home down Union St the heavens opened with rain and hail, thunder and lightening!!!

HOW MUCH DID WE MAKE?
At the Daffodil Tea we made $3,213 with proceeds from silent auction, admission, Combined Creations table and generous donations. I also had an online giving page. Last year we made $800 on that page — this year $2628. The reason for the difference was that our sons Andrew and Stuart “tweeted” their friends. Also two others donated large amounts. One said “It is time to start giving back” the other said it was “A whisper from God.” This is truly overwhelming but it makes me think of one thing — a person who could not come but wrote to say she was praying for the day.

“For we have many parts in one body, but those parts do not all have the same function.” Romans 12:4.
We are one body and if we all do what we are called to do — be it praying , helping or donating it will all work together for good.

Yes indeed, it was very good.