In grade school, we would do the stations of the cross every Friday. Holy Thursday and Good Friday were very prayer infused for us. Holy Saturday at home, felt like a reprieve, then Mass on Easter Sunday, rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Looking back, I now see the wonder in Jesus' life and the gift he gave to us all. Back in grade school, I was happy Sunday mass was finished because when we got home, we were going to have an egg hunt, an Easter Basket and a big "feast" which included ham, mashed potatoes etc. I grew up eating stew and chicken and dumplings made from scratch. No soda, chips, candy etc except once in a while for very special occasions. Ate the fruit off the fruit trees (swapped fruit with neighbors). If we didn't like what mom put on the table, the choices were eat what was on the table, or wait until breakfast and you will be good and hungry.Only until later when I grew up, I realized my parents did me a great service of feeding me with nutritious foods and not caving in to my whining and let me know we do not have to have everything/the latest thing/ do whatever everyone else is doing. I am forever grateful to my parents and now, more than ever miss them and wish I could have a moment to tell them one more time I love them, I appreciate everything they have done for me to make me who I am and most of all, I am sorry for all the pain I have ever caused them as a bratty child.

I apologize this is running very long and seems rambling. Peace and love to all this most holy weekend. May the spirit of the Lord fill our hearts and open the ears and eyes of those who are still alseep.