Easter Sunday And Birthday Monday

I was a little sad this Easter thinking about how the juvenile magic is now gone from the holiday for us. It's been years since we've had an Easter Bunny photo and only Jacklyn wants to dye eggs. There's not even a twinkle of surprise in their eyes when they produce the contents of their baskets to Ron and I on the not- so -early -because- we're- old Easter morning...heavy sigh. On the other hand, what made me so happy this Easter was the fact that my children are older. They're now old enough to really appreciate the deeper magic and meaning of the holiday. Easter serves as such a wonderful reminder of life and rebirth. Watching the colors come back to the backdrops we live in, hearing all the critters coming back to join us and feeling the sun intensify her fertilizing rays are all things that renew not only the place I live in, but they renew my soul. It's something that doesn't ever fail to happen and I am so grateful for that!

Today is my brother's birthday. Today Jim is 39. As most of you know, Jim was diagnosed with cancer back in November. He quickly had surgery to remove the tumor and waited. We all waited through the winter for his scans and tests that would tell us if the cancer had come back. Two weeks ago the day finally came for those scans and tests...cancer free! The feelings of rebirth/renewal/Easter/spring I've had this year have been so great because of Jim. The sights, smells and sounds at this time of year are wonderful, but my brother has served to remind me why it all really matters. How appropriate that his birthday fell the day after Easter! I love you Jim and Happy Birthday!

So, I don't have pictures with the Easter Bunny, or even pictures of Jacklyn dying her eggs. All I have are pictures of the little floral centerpieces I made for the table. However, even though I don't have pictures to show it, my children are old enough to truly understand the blessings of Easter and have paused this year to take in the news of their uncle along with the birds, flowers and warm Texas sun.