Today We Remember and Rejoice

I wish you all joy of your heart, peace of your mind and blessings this Easter. I also pray for strength for my family. It was one year ago today that Bill’s father, Carl, passed away. Although it often seems like five years ago, not just one, as so much has happened in this last year. The fact that the anniversary of his death coincided with Easter, I thought would be especially difficult. Holidays = family and when someone loved so much is no longer physically present, it would only seem natural for it to be a struggle. But actually the opposite has happened today. We have been explaining the true meaning of Easter to Katelyn (Vanessa is much too young to understand). And because of what Eater means, in religious context, it has been easy to relate to Grandpa. Jesus died, just like Grandpa, and Jesus went to Heaven, where Grandpa is. Relating it to the girls in this way has been rather peaceful. We took a long walk today, ending up down at the lake. We brought with us a bag of Snyder pretzels, Carl’s favorite. We stood along the shoreline, surrounded by snow banks, under the warm sun and bright crystal-clear blue sky. We spent some time remembering Carl while we tossed some pretzels into the water for him. Although he is not here physically, we know that Carl is here in spirit – always has been and always will be. We miss you, Dad and Grandpa, but rejoice knowing that you are in a beautiful place.