Pictures by Heather and Marisa
We had a hoppin' good time at our annual Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend. We started with an amazingly delicious potluck lunch -- I really know how to summon the inner chef in everyone in order to provide fantastic food at my gatherings! :-) After we were all sufficiently full, the kids were whisked to the front porch while the Easter bunny worked his magic (on the weather and the eggs) in the backyard. The rain held off just long enough to enjoy the hunt and capture some great family photos.
Following the weekend, I thought about how different this Easter was for me than that of the year before. I was happy on both occasions to be surrounded by loved ones, but last Easter my heart was aching inside. My life was so different than my younger self had ever imagined it and I was learning how to live in my new world - the world that included unforeseen hardship and discomfort that time has taught me is just a part of being an adult! It was certainly hard then to watch the beauty and innocence of all the kids - the blissful ignorance they thankfully possess as little people - and, at the same time, to feel the reality of my adult life and to know my friends and family also had their own realities that they, too, were facing at the time. It was a tough Easter in 2013.
This year, I attended church on Sunday morning (something I couldn't bring myself to do last year). Pastor Michael said, "Easter is the holiday that changes EVERYTHING." Everything that was is no longer - everything that wasn't is so --- or at least, can be so. He is right. What I knew of life before past Easters is not what I know of life now. Still, I have learned there is peace in knowing that change, while scary, can be embraced and accepted and, eventually, truly enjoyed and loved.
This Easter my heart is very full. I am blessed to have the family I have - all six of us... and really, all 37 that attended our hunt on Saturday, as well numerous others that didn't. Happy Easter. Much love.
2 comments:
Hope you had a Happy Birthday. Last Easter was what got everything moving. We knew we needed to be here with you, and I am so glad it has worked out for our family, so we can spend these wonderful times together, often. Love you!
All of you are my Easter proof!
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