Easter Weekend

With all the 'excitement' around here the last two weeks, Russell has been a champ despite the lack of attention and the numerous play-dates at friends' houses. On Saturday, he was allowed to open his Easter present from Grandma and Papa (my parents). Big yellow 18-wheeler? Big score! It even opens so he can put his smaller cars inside.

On Sunday morning, we presented Russell with his first Easter basket, complete with multi-colored grass. He got his first WordWorld DVD and a bag of Starburst jellybeans. Again- big score for him;-)

My memories of Easter as just as special. I'm sure my Easter basket is still crammed somewhere in my parents' house.

For a few years, we'd travel from Vancouver Island to the city of Vancouver to attend a weekend Easter church conference.

We would stay at the family cottage in Point Roberts and drive into the city- maybe an hour by the time we got there. We'd dress up in our church finery (hat and Bible included) and pile into the van. At some point in the morning, we were given our Easter basket which contained chocolate and candy. I have no idea how long the conference was on the Saturday morning and afternoon, but as children, it seemed to last hours. We'd munch on our Easter stash to pass the time.

I remember there was always one family that would attend and they would sit right up front- which meant they were the first in the lunch line at the cafeteria. Of course, we were closer to the back, and by the time we were in the lunch line, we had to wait (and wait...) for the line to move while my parents reconnected with old friends and extended family members.

After lunch, my dad and I would walk across the street to the cemetery. As a child, I didn't think this was morbid, I thought it was special. The cemetery was quiet and it was one-on-one time I could spend with my dad. A few times, I remember taking a daffodil wrapped up in wet papertowel and plastic wrap to lay on my great-aunt's tombstone. She had been my Grandma's only sister. I also remember liking the Chinese section of the cemetery and the strange symbols etched on their stones.

Dan wants to ensure we start family traditions since he doesn't remember much tradition in his family. Although candy and chocolate are only the superficial side of Easter, I think what it does do is instill anticipation of a special holiday and memories of youth- a sweet time that is so limited in this world.

"This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things..."
Lk. 24:46