Easter Memories

Sunday morning Sunday School and church in our newest Sunday finery. Lunch at Mama Fish's house. Mama Fish is my grandmother, my mom's mom. Mama Fish and Daddy Joe. Mama Fish was supposed to be Mama Louise. Some how when I attempted to say Mama Louise, it came out Mama Fish. When I think of my Mama Fish 2 things come immediately to mind, followed by too many to recount. But the two immediate ones are of her cooking in her kitchen. Holiday meals were always at her house and Easter was no exception. The other memory being of her sitting at her table drinking sweet tea with a paper towel wrapped around the glass. If my sister and I happened to stop by that's where she'd be waiting with listening ears and a big smile. I know she didn't always sit at that table waiting for us; but when we showed up together or alone we could always count on her being at that table with a glass of tea. Daddy Joe? Many memories of him sleeping in his chair. Just as many pictures of it also. I do remember him eating, talking and laughing with us during the meal. And he always led the meal time prayer. But my most immediate memories are of him sleeping in that chair with all the noise and commotion of family going on around him.
So, back to Easter: After lunch we'd have a huge Easter egg hunt in my grand parents back yard. Course, the Easter bunny did visit us for many years at my parents home.
As we grew up the egg hunts and Easter bunny visits faded, but the Sunday morning church and lunches were a main stay. There was a time when my grandmother included the neighbor kids in Sunday dessert and an egg hunt.
Then there was the dress when I was in High School. I absolutely insisted on making it and wearing it. I stayed up most of Saturday night making it and I wore it Easter Sunday morning, by golly! I was so proud of that dress. Course when I see it in pictures, I cringe. It was a bit crooked in places. My mom was none too pleased with me that Easter. It wasn't just the crooked dress, it was the accessory on my neck that pushed her over the edge. I was NOT proud of it, just the dress. I fixed and covered the crooked dress and my neck best I could and off I went.

This next one is my favorite Easter story. It starts before Easter. I've already shared that when I met my husband he told me he was a Christian but he didn't attend church any where. Then on a Thanksgiving my grandfather told Michael that if he was to date me then he need to be going to church. So, Michael started coming to church with me. Some times he'd sit with me, other times he'd sit across the room from me; but he was there. Then one Sunday night he came and sat with me. This Sunday night the preacher didn't have an alter call. A time at the end of the service for people to come forward and announce their decision to be a Christian. At the end of the service Michael dashed to the front of the church. Next thing I knew the preacher was on his feet asking every one to stop and hold on a minute. Michael had chased him down and told him his decision to be a Christian and his desire to be baptized. That Pastor said that he'd never again close a service with out an opportunity for people to come forward.
Michael was baptized the following Sunday; Easter Sunday. I just think that is so neat. To be baptized on Easter Sunday. On the very day that we celebrate the whole burial and resurrection of our Christ. That's what baptism is symbolic of, right?! What Christ did for us. He died on the cross, was buried and rose again. In baptism, we are buried with Christ (under the water), then brought out of the water, raised from the dead and now we are alive in Christ. The baptism is symbolic of all this. Our celebration of Easter or Resurrection Sunday is our worldly way of recognizing just what Christ did for us on that cross. Praise the Lord he didn't stay in the tomb. He Rose.
There have been many Easter Sundays since. Some with my grandmother, some with friends and some with just us 4. Yes, I've done the Easter bunny and egg hunts with my kids. One year we did plastic eggs with scripture verses in the eggs that told the Easter story. One year I actually made dresses to match for Gab and I. They weren't crooked and there were no neck accessories. I was very proud of those dresses. Sewing just isn't my thing; but they turned out really nice.

I don't know what we'll do this Easter, other than go to church. We don't get new clothes any more. There is no bunny or egg hunts. I don't want this Easter to be just another Sunday, but it's hard to make it special. I'm so locked into the Easter basket thing. I've even already bought a toy for my husband. We'll go to church and I'll make us a nice meal. Maybe I'll get Michael to share his story about chasing down the preacher.

This was supposed to be a fun post, but some how it is taking a serious turn. I am so thankful that we don't have to wait for a certain Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. We can worship Him and acknowledge Him in our every day. What harm is there in getting all dressed up and having a party in His honor. We can do that, we'll just leave out the eggs and bunnies. :)