In February, our 11-year old son Dominic was diagnosed with a bone infection (osteomyelitis) that resulted in a week long stay at the hospital, a month of heavy antibiotics, and a secondary infection (c-diff colitis). The time in the hospital was very traumatic for Dominic...the pain, the narcotics, the withdrawal from the narcotics, the daily blood draws, the anxiety of not knowing how long he would be in the hospital or what would happen next...it all took its toll and I would have to say that we are all still recovering from the experience. Please say a prayer for complete healing for our son because the journey isn't over yet, but at least we feel like we are on the right path towards health again.
Needless to say, it was a Lent we will never forget (even though we would like to). But I trust and believe that God had a reason for all of it and we could truly see His goodness and blessings in the midst of the anxiety and pain. I think Dominic will always treasure the kindness and gifts he received from people while in the hospital (especially the LEGO sets!), the memories of getting to watch the Olympics in a hospital bed, and the visit from Father Christopher who prayed over him and anointed him with oil. As Scripture says, "God turns all things into good for those who love the Lord," so I have hope that much good will come from this difficult experience.
As I journeyed through the desert of Lent this year, I longed more than ever for the hope and joy of Easter to come.
AND INDEED IT FINALLY CAME!!!
It came with the reminder of Christ's victory over sin and death, and that one day we will be with Him in heaven because of His great sacrifice on the cross. One day there will be no more tears or pain or bone infections or anxiety----only love and praise and joy!
It came with the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa who drove 12 hours to celebrate with us!
It came with my brother Jon's family visiting us from Portland for the first time. How sweet it was to watch the cousins celebrate the joys of Easter together and simply to be with family!
It came with great food, great beer, and great wine (which were great indeed because we gave them up for Lent!) :)
And it came with LOTS of new SNOW! Funny that it looked more like Christmas than Easter, but it sure was beautiful!
And now here are some beautiful pictures to highlight some of the sweetness of Easter:
Isaiah showing off to Grandma that he can READ!!!
Dominic giving us a cello and piano concert!
He is one talented boy!
I am eager to see how he will use his gifts and talents when he gets older.
Young and old, decorating eggs :)
Aunt Debbie and cousin Gwyneth concentrating hard on their masterpieces :)
Isaiah and Gwyneth making "eggcellent" Easter crafts
Me teaching the kids how to make Resurrection Rolls.
They turn out so delicious and help tell the Easter story to kids in a fun way!
My brother Jon, his wife Debbie, and their little girl Gwyneth
taking a walk/ride around our property :)
Princess of the Mountain!
Debbie and Jon--what a beautiful couple,
what a delight to have them visit us!
Jon trying out our zip-line...and wondering what the weight limit is! :)
Jon giving Gwyneth a ride on the zip line.
What a brave and wonderful little girl!
Jon and Gwyneth riding the carousel!
Isaiah on the triceratops.
Natey reached the brass ring for the first time!!!
An ice cream snack at the carousel---yum!
Playing outside the carousel...cold but fun!
This is who I found first thing Easter morning.
At our house it's not an Easter bunny who brings treats,
it's an Easter KITTY! :)
Debbie, Gwyneth, Jon, and Evan after Mass at the Cathedral
Our family after Mass at the Cathedral
Our family with Grandma and Grandpa at the Cathedral
Gwyneth happy with the shiny quarter she found in her Easter egg!
Evan and Isaiah showing each other their Easter treasures :)
Counting the Easter booty with Grandma and Grandpa watching the fun
The kids ready for the outdoor egg hunt in the snow!
Gwynneth asking the chickens where the eggs are hid :)
Looks like a chicken wants to steal an egg :)
A snowy and sweet Easter!
God is good!
From our home to yours,
HAPPY EASTER!!!
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