RAINBOWS AND UNICORNS: A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

Today is Easter.  We had a family brunch late morning/early afternoon.  Now the family has left and the house is quiet.  I'm thinking back on the past month, which has been a challenge both in good ways and in ways not so great.  I feel off-kilter, in transition, leaving some things behind and not quite knowing what is ahead.  Not a state that I relish being in.  But here I am so, present moment thoughts: 

Today, it's a beautiful sunny spring day with daffodils, camelias, and rhodies blooming in my yard; azalea buds offer a peek at the colors they will announce with brilliant fanfare in another week or so.  Cherry blossoms, magnolias, and bright green new leaf buds stand out brilliantly against azure blue skies.  I am always amazed when the life cycle begins anew.  It is a phenomenon I know to expect, but still somehow takes me by surprise.

We missed one daughter-in-law today as she made her way home from a weekend away with friends.  But the rest were here around the table, joining hands to start our meal and each taking a turn saying what we are thankful for.  This family moment of "grace" is a special time whenever we gather.  There is always, from each, the gratitude for us being together, for family, for each other.  Then there might be a special occasion to be grateful for, or a life event, or an appreciation of a sunny day, like today.  Our youngest granddaughter, when she was very little, used to listen to all of us and at her turn she'd say, "I'm thankful for rainbows and unicorns."  We thought it was so sweet and cute.  Now at nine, she participates fully and maturely, but her ending is always, "...AND I'm thankful for rainbows and unicorns", as she pokes good-natured fun at her younger self.  Still so sweet.

She and her big sister, 14, grabbed empty Easter baskets after brunch and headed to the gardens to search for candy-filled eggs.  We all cheered them on, giving them clues, watching as they collected their stash.  We took family photos, inspected the new garden growth, talked about what to plant in the raised beds this year, and made plans for summer family gatherings.

Back inside, full of good food, a few candies begged from the girls, feeling content and happy together, we grew quieter.  

I looked around and thought about my own childhood Easters.  I always had a fancy new dress that was a little stiff and scratchy.  I had patent leather shoes and sometimes a little hat.  I went to Sunday School at the local Methodist church, then sat with my family for the church service, hearing about the Resurrection of Jesus and that he died and came back to life for my sins.  I wasn't sure what all that meant, but I felt sorry for Jesus on that cross and that it had somehow been my fault. I was glad that he'd been brought back from the dead, but I had never seen him.  I much preferred thinking about the Easter basket waiting for me at home, delivered just that morning by the Easter bunny, who I had also never seen, but who left me candy and gifts nonetheless.  Childhood can be a confusing time. 

We are a more secular family.  We celebrate the new life of a new season; we celebrate our love and connection to each other; we wear jeans and sneakers on Easter Sunday.  We look for the good in others, feel the love in our hearts, and try to do good for the world, and in that way, I guess, we are honoring Jesus' teachings even if we don't put on scratchy clothes and take to our church pews.

Like the seasons, life is full of change; nothing remains constant.  There are times of connection and times of longing for connection. But if we are intentional, compassionate, understanding, and loving; if we prioritize those we care about more often than not, share our bounty, share our lives, share our joys and sorrows, and be there for the really big stuff in each other's lives, what is lasting is a place where we are safe and cared for -- all of us -- and in this way we find in each moment an infinity of gratitude. 

On this Easter Sunday I'm incredibly thankful for my life, for the blessings and luck and hard work and privilege to create these connections to family and friends and the lifeforce around me.  

AND I'm thankful for rainbows and unicorns. 🌈🦄

At least that's the view from here...©