Something You Said

A Mother's Day cup of tea, and some words of wisdom — My Sunday Best #106

When I think of Mother’s Days past, a teapot is the first thing that comes to mind. When my sisters and I were young, we pooled our money together to buy a china teapot for my mom. As I recall, it was just under twenty dollars. It was in the window of a shop we passed by while walking to my Uncle’s house after spending a day at the beach in Southern California. I remember the sand-covered sidewalk and the weather-beaten concrete on the steps leading up to the front door. I felt so grown up as we counted the money, to the penny, and placed it on the counter. The store clerk wrapped the teapot in paper so we could get it home in one piece. We were so excited as we headed out the door in our flip-flops and bathing suits with the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

That china teapot is a wonderful metaphor for motherhood— a beautiful container that continually pours out love, comfort, wisdom, and advice—cup after cup. It’s also a gentle reminder to slow down, feel the steam rising from the cup as it moistens my face, take a sip, a breath, a rest, and savor the taste of time in a cup.

About those words of advice—they’re priceless. It’s funny how a few letters formed into a string of words can carry so much weight. But those words are solid gold nuggets that have permanently staked a claim in my memory. Now, it was a rare occasion that I would follow the free advice I was given. And I’m sure it didn’t look like I was listening, because I was probably rolling my teenage eyes. But I must have been listening, because all these years later, I find myself mining from these same words of wisdom. And they finally make sense.

”It’s a vein of gold that runs through this beating heart. And it’s what I know, when life comes down a little hard.” (A Boy Named Jack, lyric)

So on this Mother’s Day, I want to tell all the moms out there, don’t stop pouring out your love and kind words of wisdom. Even though it may appear that no one is listening, I assure you, they are, and your words will live on long after you’re gone.

My older sister’s birthday was yesterday. I wrote this song for her a few years back. It was my way of saying thank you for all the big-sister, motherly love and guidance. A mother’s love, a father’s love, a brother’s love, a sister’s love, a friend’s love—it’s all the same love and it grows on and on.

Something You Said
by Trisha Leone

I wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget
On an envelope that holds my place in a book
A piece of paper, folded up small
A napkin in my pocket, I kept them all

Words scribbled on a page
A voice of reason to lead the way
They keep me from going insane
I’ll never know how you know, just what to say

You said be brave and follow your heart
Trust yourself and write your own story
Lighten up and have some fun
Girl, you can’t give what you don’t have
Love yourself, that was something you said

You didn’t know, but I was listening
To the words you spoke but never said out loud
But I heard you live your truth
I don’t know how I’d make it if I didn’t have you

You’re my north star, you’re in the lead,
Breaking the trail, taking the heat.
You’re holding my hand, sneaking me in
Letting me know that I’ve got a friend.

You said be brave and follow your heart
Trust yourself and write your own story
Lighten up and have some fun
Girl, you can’t give what you don’t have
Love yourself, that was something you said

Here’s a video of the song from a few years back.