Generation Covid-19 Easter
Good afternoon!
I hope you had a Happy Easter! I'm sure this Easter probably has been like no other if you are respecting the "stay home" orders, which my family is. It's interesting to see how everyone is adjusting to Easter while the pandemic is affecting the world.
One of the greatest challenges has been among the churches and their desire to remain accessible to their congregations. There has been controversy among some churches meeting even though their numbers far exceed the recommended amount to meet in a group. I am fortunate. My church is fluent in technology and has access to technology in the most opportune way. We have been able to enjoy church service while at home during the coronavirus, and our church has also added worship nights of song and other night of prayer. All done via technology that allows us to still be part of the church. I realize not all congregations are fortunate enough to have that type of access, which makes this time in history so complicated for those who really could benefit from the church in these trying times.
This was an Easter unlike any other for my family for a variety of reasons. First, and foremost, my father-in-law just passed away on February 22. We have already lost my mother-in-law and felt the emptiness of her presence at Easter the past few years. My mother-in-law would inevitably stop in at a Walgreens or CVS where she could purchase those noisy and bouncy toys that sang a song at an obnoxious level repeatedly over and over again like, "Here comes Peter Cottontail." I never thought I would miss those bouncy nuisances, but, somehow, I do. My mother-in-law was the glue that kept the family together despite tensions that might exist in the family among the members. My father-in-law passing just added to that sting. And, for the family, it is going to sting for a long while.
My mother and father-in-law adopted two dogs, brothers, about thirteen years ago and named them Smokey and Bandit. After my mother-in-law passed away, Bandit eventually passed as well. Consequently, with the recent passing of my father-in-law, Smokey has been left alone, so we have agreed to take him in to care for him. He is a grandpa by dog standards. I like to tell people that we are going to try to make his golden years as golden as possible.
Pictured left to right: Brothers, Bandit with Smokey/Smokey as a puppy/Smokey as a "grandpa."
I would love for you to share how this Easter was different for your family in comparison to coronavirus free Easters from your past. Share with me in the comments below and like and follow my page on facebook and Instagram.
Love and prayers,
Chris