When she went into the assisted care, her daughter gave me silver butter dishes, platters, etc. They were still in the original package with the cards from their wedding over 50 years prior. They kept the good stuff for later.
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Over 40 years ago when I married my half Portuguese husband, my dear, old
world MIL told me to always use my "good stuff" for my family and not wait
till "later" or "for company". What did I think I was saving it for, his next wife?
After thinking that over, I did use all the good stuff, and very little was broken,
usually by me and not the kids!! And the kids grew up liking nice things and
knew how to take care of them!!