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Well, we are almost here. Easter 2021 takes place this Sunday. I can't help but recall this time last year we entered the Easter weekend much differently than ever before.
As we are all aware, the year 2020 brought much heartbreak for millions of people. Isolation, cancelled plans, not being able to see loved ones on a special occasion, multiple scenarios that invoked a lot of difficult conflicting feelings.
Regardless, while last year was a different atmosphere here are some things I know for certain for Easter 2021.
1). We became resilient. We figured out different ways to make things happen. We didn't let a pandemic bring down our humanity, no matter how hard this virus tried to.
2). We have a vaccination now. Last year around this time, we had just begun staying #SaferatHome without any inkling of a vaccination being in our midst. Whatever your thoughts are on the vaccination (whether you want to take it or not), it represents a chance now. A chance for families and friends to get together (while adhering to CDC and local health department guidelines of course), and to return to some type of "normal" again.
3). While the holiday may still feel different from year's past, try to remember the meaning behind Easter. Sure Easter eggs, ham and candy may be scattered amongst loved ones, however the holiday carries a more significant spiritual meaning. It is recognized for Christians as the day Our Lord and Savior ascended into Heaven on the third day after he was buried from his crucifixion. It signifies the idea that through faith in the working of God those who follow Jesus are spiritually resurrected with him so that they may walk in a new way of life and receive eternal salvation. I think that people may look at Easter 2021 in this way, especially with the tough past year.
4). While our calendar shows that Easter Sunday takes place on April 4, I want to make note of another special recognition. It was this day in 1945 when our publisher John Patrick Reilly (commonly known as Pat) was born. If you see him out and about this coming week be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday. Those that know him not only know him as a boss, coach, father, and grandfather. They also know him as a good friend and someone you believe in and you know believes in you. Thank you for being you Pat.
5) The weather. If you haven't had a chance to look at this weekend's forecast, do it. You'll be sure to have a smile on your face if nothing else will. Take advantage of the beautiful day coming up and know that the sunshine (so long as it stays that way, don't blame me if its jinxed) may represent a sign of hope that we are almost out of the dark tunnel that engulfed us this past year.