Easter is often a day for family gatherings and for sharing and making beautiful memories. Many families go to church on Easter Sunday. And very often, the children are dressed up in handsome suits and beautiful spring dresses. I have very beautiful memories of these pretty spring dresses myself.
My Aunt Marguerite recently passed away this past February. She was a very wonderful, kind-hearted, and giving person. I had lost my paternal Grandparents long before I was born. My Aunt Marguerite was sweet enough to "adopt" me as her granddaughter. (She already had four of them---Melanie, Tiffany, Lauren, and Shelley.) Melanie and Tiffany's mother, my late cousin, Dawn.--God rest her angelic soul, became sort of an adopted aunt. (Dawn passed away in 2004 after suffering from a birth defect related disorder of the spinal column.)
Every Easter, when I was a child, my Aunt Marguerite and my cousin Dawn used to buy pretty spring Easter dresses for the four granddaughters and for me, too. I would go to church services with my Aunt on Easter Sunday and get to wear my new pretty Easter dress. I can honestly tell you that this was something that meant a lot to me. My aunt and cousin really didn't have to do this for me, but being the sweet, kind-hearted, and generous people that they were, they did. I don't know if I honestly ever expressed just how much this meant to me and now I can no longer do that - at least not directly to their faces on Earth- and that saddens me, I must admit.
Please take the time out today, and every day, to express your appreciation and gratitude to those you love and for those who love you. Do it now please! You never know just how much more time you may have with someone on this Earth. I never thought my cousin Dawn would pass away in her early 50's and now I regret the things I didn't say or do for her.
I know that a lecture about gratitude seems more befitting for Thanksgiving, but I think we should be thankful every day for what we have and for the people we have. Why not tell someone today just how grateful you are for them being a part of your world while you still have the chance.
Have a very Happy Easter!
Peace & Love To You all,
Deanna :)
