An Easter to Remember

This year for Easter, I asked my family to bring something to contribute—not just food, but something aligned with the theme of new beginnings, awakening, and positivity. There may have been some eye rolls and jokes (as expected), but my sister-in-law was immediately on board, and I figured we’d at least have a little fun with it. 

The day turned out to be unusually warm for April. We played games, shared laughter, and enjoyed a table full of delicious food. Then came the Easter surprise. Each person brought a unique offering to share with the group. I won’t share them all, but the range was beautiful and heartfelt—

From a recently discovered whisker of a well-loved, long-lost cat, to a certificate marking the completion of a master’s degree, to a poem written about starting fresh. Some offerings brought joyful tears. Others sparked surprise. But the one thing that filled the room from wall to wall was love.

 I hadn’t set any expectations. I knew what I wanted to bring, and I trusted that simply being together and celebrating something meaningful would be enough. But what unfolded was even more powerful—it made me fall in love with my family all over again. And more than that, it renewed my faith in our ability to support and uplift one another.

 My family is just a small reflection of the greater world. And through love, I felt a sense of real hope. As everyone was saying goodbye and heading to their cars, I looked up and saw a rainbow from behind a neighbor's house and disappearing into the blue. It sealed the day for me. A colorful reminder of the beauty of the day, and maybe a gift from those long gone from our celebrations.