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A New Perspective on EasterEaster Sunday! Oh, how the memories come flooding back to Easters’ past. After Church, the conversation was always the same. “Can I put on my dungarees?” And, I would say: ‘No, you can’t! It is Easter Sunday! You can stay dressed." The Easter ham, the colored
eggs, a supply of film and a prayer for beautiful weather always seemed
to take top priority. Of
course, Since Richie’s passing, I have a totally different perspective of what Easter really means . My grief has given me a reason to do some serious reflecting and some deep soul searching. And, by doing so, I have gained a new understanding about this holiday. That God gave His only Son so that we could have everlasting life has taken on a whole new meaning for me. It is my tool of survival as a bereaved parent. Now, on this day, I reflect on the hope, the rebirth, and restoring my faith in the Lord. And, if I get depressed, I think of how the Blessed Mother must have felt when her only Son was nailed to the cross, and I count my blessings. I have come to realize that
grief is my cross to bear. And,
I know Now, Easter to me is a day of miracles. It is a day of family, peace and wisdom. I am sure, at some point, grief will visit me this Easter. I am sure that it will open my memory bank and let the pictures of the little boy coloring Easter eggs come through; a little boy telling the Easter Bunny to bring him white chocolate because he likes that much better. I will also see a teenager showing his little sister how to make the Easter egg coloring into a psychedelic pattern. I will remember the last Easter plant that Richie gave to me. And I will see the uncle who shared in the joy of watching his nephew, Daniel, on an Easter egg hunt. I will hear him saying: “Look over there Daniel, maybe the Easter Bunny left one over there.” Oh yes! I am sure that I will remember it all. But I expect that. It is normal. After all, these memories are part of the past. If I deny them, I deny life altogether. And losing a loved one does not mean losing the love that you hold for them. Love is stronger than separation. And, as always, I will think of the memories as messages - messages from Richie, making sure that I don’t forget him. So, for now, I will put all the Easter baskets, colored eggs, patent leather shoes, and Easter bonnets back into my memory bank. And, I will dwell on my new perspective on Easter. I will celebrate rebirth, the Resurrection of our Savior, and the renewal of my faith. I will rejoice in my newfound perspective, knowing that life is everlasting. And, I will be content in knowing that because God gave us eternal life, the best is yet to come.
Happy Easter in Heaven, Rich!
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