Two trays of lasagna – check. One tray of stuffed mushrooms – check. Extra tomato sauce – check. Folding chairs – check. Easter baskets – check. Soda – check. Easter books to read to the grandkids – check. Gas in the car – check. GPS and E-ZPass – check. Suitcase packed – check. Wrapped presents for my grandson’s 5th birthday – check. I think I’m ready for my trip to my daughter’s house in Pennsylvania where the whole family will be spending Easter.
It seems like yesterday that my mom would come to my home in Long Island from her home in New Jersey to spend the holidays. After weeks of planning the menu, I would open the door and in she would come with all kinds of food and goodies for our gatherings. I never realized how much work was involved. All I saw was her smiling face when she finally arrived with her cargo in tow. Then I would help her unpack as I made room in my refrigerator for all her food, plus mine.
Last night after I prepared the lasagna and mushrooms and finished cleaning, I sat on the couch to relax before bedtime. It was really late, but my adrenaline was high so I needed to decompress for a time. My son was sitting on the couch with me and we began to talk. I wasn’t feeling that great and my body was aching when my son made an observation I found very insightful. He told me that when I cooked for the holidays since my mom died that I always mention her in conversation. He felt I was still internalizing grief and it affected me physically. Perhaps he is right. For some reason it brought comfort, he brought me comfort.
Well tomorrow morning I will be off with my younger daughter to arrive a day early in Pennsylvania. She and I will help with my grandkids while my other daughter finishes the last of her preparations. The rest of my family and some friends will meet us at her church Easter morning and then back to her house to celebrate. Eighteen of us will gather in her home and make new memories with my mother’s imprint in tact. I cherish my family and value every opportunity that we can be together. Happy Easter to you, and may you cherish the time together with your family as well.
