The Year that we Were Together for Easter

Easter Sunday morning dawned into a bright and beautiful day.

As siblings we exchanged text greetings 

and shared favorite songs and memories.

Our screens have been, so to say, our lifeline 

to all who matter, our friends, family and church.

Everyone in their homes, yet somehow connected ...

connected to all that we have celebrated on this special day,

the sure hope we have, because Jesus conquered death

to win forgiveness and eternal life.

I prepared Easter dinner for the family.

Ham, potato salad, apple salad, roasted vegetables and Paska.

We packed up three separate picnics and drove to each home,

a progressive party of sorts.

 

In their back yards, we hid some treats.

and then we watched them as they looked for them.

As much as we wanted to,

we didn't go close like grandparents normally would.

I hope they never remember that part. 

This family was out while we snuck around

and it was fun to surprise the kids.

 

We watched them play with their toys

and then, off we were to the third place.

 This family hardly remembers an Easter together,

and they loved running in the wide open space. 

They are good at virtual hugs,

maybe we've practiced them enough. 

 After finding their treats in the most odd places,

we had dinner by the fire pit.

And then they came with their previously delivered Paskas ...

one family and then another ... and for a short time, we truly were all together ...

welcome home greetings shared in other ways than usual.

With a fire pit between us and beauty all around.

we sat in family units.

It was the very best of what we could do,

the littles snuggled into their parents' laps,

the bigger ones somehow accepting the circumstances,

as we laughed and shared stories.

And I can't help but say,

what a gift it is to be a family

through every circumstance -
supporting each other in any way we can.
For those who have health issues and
those who have health care workers in the family,
even this strange gathering would not be possible.
There are many sacrifices we do not know about,
and my thanks and prayers go out for them,
trusting ultimately in our heavenly Father.

May His love and grace hold us up in faith.

💛💜💙