Easter Joy

This was my first Easter without my mom. There were years when I lived out of state, but when I wasn't flying home for a family Easter celebration in the desert, I was talking on the phone with Mom about what we were going to wear to church or brunch or about grandchildren, coloring eggs and who would find the prize golden egg. We also talked about the importance of the Easter message - sacrifice, hope, resilience, resurrection. And we always enjoyed our Easter egg malted milk balls and if we were lucky, a chocolate fudge egg from See's Candies.

Getting ready for church on Easter morning, I had to shed a few tears in the shower, grieving that sweet Mom and Jack, my beloved stepdad, were not here to enjoy the celebration with me and our family. Suddenly, mid-sob, the sun peaked through the window above the shower and I just knew it was a sign. Mom was encouraging me to get out there and have a good day with the family. It was going to be a great day and I should focus on being "Granny Shanny." So that's what I did. And it worked because we had a fabulous day in our backyard with kids and dogs running around and lots of adults sipping punch or Mimosas. Even the earthquake didn't dampen our spirits, although it was cause for the iPhones and "crackberries" to come out of purses and pockets as we sought information about the epicenter. We said a little prayer for the safety of those in the hardest-hit area.

This was a simpler Easter than in years past. It felt more blessed, too. We are grateful for the family and friends who surround us with love, for our work that allows us to play on a special Easter Sunday. I still smile thinking about "Papa and Kendall" pictured here in matching outfits. Actually our granddaughter, Kendall, matched her mommy, daddy and brother and we took photos of them under a tree in the backyard prior to the egg hunt. I topped off the celebration with a handful of colorful Easter egg Whoppers - yum!

Life is good, and somewhere my mom is smiling knowing that she still made a positive difference in my Easter experience.