Easter 2021

More than a year into the pandemic and we are truly at the hybrid stage, tilting towards a return to the past. Or at least that is how Easter felt.

Ashley was not allowed to come home, so we went to visit her. Her friend, Liv, finally gave us something I have felt was missing: an official tour of the campus! Tours are now done one family at a time. No one is allowed inside buildings. But...we had a a family tour!

Bonus: we spent time with Ashley and met one of her friends.

Family Easter dinner was outside at a local restaurant in 40 degree weather with a server reminding us we could be eating inside (repeat with me: we love our daughter).

Two pictures of dinner with Ashley because we were that excited.

Last year all Easter services were virtual. I believe I may have also "attended" worship in Paris -- a tradition that has continued for the past year. Something I will miss when we return to all in person and no longer record services.

This year the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville decided to hold the sunrise service outside. Traditionally, it is held around a fire pit. This year we dispersed more. About 60 people turned out! The "traditional" 10 am service was virtual. I spoke with the minister later, he commented he didn't recognize everyone. Could be because it was dark at the start and wearing masks, or because there were some new people.

After our naps (6:15 is early, even in non-COVID days) we did something that felt about 90% normal -- we had Easter dinner with my sisters and their families. If Ashley had been there and we didn't debate about whether or not to wear masks, we would have made it to 100% normal.

We did gather around a laptop to worship "with Ashley" at 5 pm -- she was in the chapel at her school and we were live streaming the service along with four other screens.

It was a small group. Others years have also included aunts, uncles, and cousins. But this group of six adults and three children were still a stretch. Everyone over 16 has received at least one dose of the vaccine, four of us have received both. It was time.

Next month we'll gather for a family baby shower. 

This summer we'll finally have a party to celebrate Ashley's graduation.

Baby steps.

We'll get there.

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

Alleluia!