Me and my mom’s version of the Easter Bunny cake around 69′
On Holidays, we always think about the ones we loved so much who are no longer with us, and this Easter Sunday, is no exception for me. I think about my Mom, who died almost 17 years ago, while I was pregnant with my youngest.
My mom loved holidays and to me, she was a combination of all the best in Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker and June Cleaver (for those of you too young to know who this is, google “Leave it to Beaver”).
She made all holidays special and I think Easter was one of her favorites. She made the “bunny cake”, and let us help sprinkle the coconut or place the whiskers. It wasn’t only pretty, but also tasty enough to make even Julia Childs stand up and take notice.
She dyed eggs with us, and let us hunt them until they were crushed, rotten or eaten. She was a bona fide pro, though and had fresh ones in the fridge. She laid out a delightful, delicious Easter dinner and usually invited family over to share.
Mom, Dee and I
Our outfits were adorable and immaculate and we changed out of them immediately after church. I sometimes think about her in church with us at ages 1, 2 and 3 (yes, we were little stair steps) and this makes me all the more in awe of her. We will be 45, 46, and 47, as soon as my brother catches up with the program, turning 45 on April 22nd.
She made sure we visited both sets of grandparents and she took pictures to document it all for days like this, when I’m reminiscing and want to remember their faces more clearly.
Most of all I am blessed that mom taught us the true meaning of Easter; that is wasn’t all about colorful eggs and dressing up and bunnies, that the true message was in the Resurrection and the hope we all share because of it.
So today, on this beautiful Sunday morning, I am grateful for my Christian heritage. I’m picturing Mom in heaven this morning singing and praising with the angels, as this must be a joyful day there as well.
Blessings and Happy Easter!!!
Long walks and dark chocolate 
Once again, our thoughts are similar…I too was thinking of Easter gatherings this morning (my Mom and Dad are gone now too)…extended family, dyeing TONS of Easter eggs, the hunt for the baskets, and yes, Easter services.
Happy Easter to you and yours!
Happy Easter to you and yours as well, Patty – Thanks! Yes, their memories seem stronger around the holidays.
Delightful memories, and wonderful pictures. I noticed you have in one of the photos, an “easter bonnet” on. My mother, who passed away in 1996 at the age of 70 used to tell me stories of how her mother used to make her a new outfit with a matching bonnet every Easter. My boys are 21 and 19… we have done the easter hunt, the dinner and fellowship in church, but as the generations have unfolded we have left behind some of these most wonderful traditions like the “easter bonnet’. I do not think we are the better off for it… How wonderful to see your family, in its glory, celebrating tradition. Thank you for this post. It brought back to me some wonderful memories as well.
I’m glad it reminded you of good things in times past – Happy Easter!