Easter 2017

This year was very different, to say the least, but it was still good.

Usually, we go to church and then meet at mom’s house and have a big lunch and a photo session in the backyard with about a million pictures. This year, Mom, Cindy, and I had all spent the night at Grandma’s the night before because she was doing so poorly. Sunday morning, I got up and went home in time to throw everyone into their clothes and into the car to go to church for the first time in about a month.

We took a few pictures of the kids on my cell phone outside of the church and then one family selfie before heading inside. We made it through about half the service before we got a text that grandma’s blood pressure and respiration rate had dropped dramatically, so we all ran out to the car and drove back to the house to be with her. She did not end up passing at that moment, and the afternoon was difficult, but still sweet. We had a nice lunch, including her favorite green bean casserole, and enjoyed being together.

After lunch, the kids discovered that the ducks in the backyard had laid Easter eggs! They had a great time finding them hidden in grandma’s flowers and all around the yard. I loved reliving the memories of my childhood when my grandparents and parents would hide dozens and dozens of eggs in our yard and then release all of us kids to run and find them as fast as possible. The unique twist that our family added to the egg hunt, is that, after the kids were done finding them, the adults would go inside while the kids hid them! I remember the thrill of trying to find the very best hiding spots and following my parents and grandparents around giving them clues and squealing “hot!” or “no, you’re getting colder!”

So many sweet memories, so many years of joy.

I’m so grateful for my risen Savior who gives me hope and joy in these dark days.

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!