Happy Easter to all of you!
I’m illustrating my sentiments with a photo of a vase left by my mother — who died five years ago yesterday, on Easter Sunday — filled with a few stems of a flower my father loved, the deliciously fragrant, simple wallflower. We must have combined his birthday (mid-April) celebrations with our Easter egg hunt at least once over the years, and I’m finding the day saturated with memories (the whole week has been, actually, family memories built ’round liturgical observations, my dad’s hot cross buns on Good Friday, the spiffed-up outfits for all of us — that liquid white shoe polish, Kiwi brand, roll-on, assiduously applied to T-strapped Mary Janes and little first-walking booties alike — on Easter Sunday, roast lamb on Holy Thursday, unusually, one year, because my mother thought we should more tangibly understand the Passover meal that the Last Supper may/must have been, my father’s beautiful tenor in Church . . . I haven’t practised, observed, for quite a few years now, but my memories, even my very cells, seem to, still. . .
We usually head to my sister’s today for the brunch she hosts, where we get to watch the next generation hunt for “eggs” in K’s garden. But we’re heading in a different direction towards another family event — I’ll tell you more later in the week.
For now, may you all find renewal and growth in the spirit of this day. . . and perhaps a chocolate egg or two. . .
Have a lovely day and Happy Easter!
Suz from Vancouver
Thanks!
I have been very aware of my parents and their absence these last few days too. I am not sure if that is to do with the season or because I have been sorting out papers or a bit of both. I have always loved Easter. As a spring person, Easter beats Christmas every time!
I'm not sure I could ever have preferred it to Christmas, but it's definitely got the season going for it!
Happy Easter!
slf
Thanks!
Renewal and growth…that is what it is all about for me, this holiday. Many memories of Catholic celebration and Greek Orthodox Easters too. Always felt lucky to have both influences in my young life. As you say…right in my cells.
Next to Thanksgiving, my very favorite holiday.
Happy Easter all. X A. in London
Yours was a chilly Easter this year, right?
Such sweet memories of your parents. May your "very cells" be filled with the Promise of this day, Frances. A Blessed Easter to you.
Charlene H
Thank you, Charlene
We've combined Tim's birthday with Easter celebrations several times over the years. Lovely memories here. My heart's a little sore today as we have delayed our family celebration until next week because of our little getaway trip. We arrived home this afternoon and I confess to shedding a few tears over the lack of celebration. Still, I'm trying to hold on to the meaning and promise of this day that exists apart from dinner, eggs, and little ones, but it's hard.
Ah, that's tough, Lorrie. I think that begins to happen more and more as our little families establish themselves. . . It does look as though you've had a lovely ramble with your husband.
Happy Easter!
Holidays awake a lot of memories connected with our dearest…I feel it too
Dottoressa
I would imagine you too, K, this first Easter without. . .
What a fascinating idea of your mother trying to "reenact" the Last Supper for a deeper understanding. What did you children think about it at the time?
I remember being intrigued (and quite pleased to have meat during Lent! 😉
Your memories and recollections are wonderful and a pleasure to read. I love Easter more so than any other holiday. You mentioned hot cross buns a reminder that I haven't had one in a long while. Time to look online for a good recipe and try to make some. Happy Monday in lieu of Happy Easter. ~Amelia
We only had them on Good Friday, so the novelty made them particularly delicious.