With Kathy and the Boys in Arlington Heights, and me with my Mom in Sarasota - it was a little different - but still... 

A Very Blessed Easter!

Sporting a lovely springy new outfit, Kathy, along with our boys and their families, joined her at Church at Trinity for Easter Worship.  Picture right is of the whole crowd at the altar after the service.

I'm told the Grandson's were the 2nd best thing at church this Easter Morning (behind Christ's Resurrection, of course).  Calvin was singing and dancing, everyone was marveling how big Thor was getting, and Ashton looked like a little cherub.

Following the service all of them hotfooted it over to our Stratford house where Bryan presided over the grill as delectable Steak & Shrimp abounded.  Kathy produced some Homemade Mac 'n Cheese (totally unneeded when you have access to Kraft's product,) Twice Baked Taters, Rokbonki Salad and a Dirt Cake with the Worms served on the side.    I'm told just a lovely day.

Down south, Mom and I took in worship at New Life Lutheran Church in Sarasota.   Mom sang in the choir while I sat up front as the Church was quite full.  

Pastor Randy delievered a beautiful message and I started crying on queue when the organist broke into the hymn "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today! Alleluia"    

Memories of playing this tune on our Trumpets with my Dad & Godfather at Trinity 55 years ago flooded back.  

I'm tearing up just writing this. 

Picture left is me & Mom at the Flower Cross - an Easter Sunday tradition at her church.  

Following Church, Mom, Great Family Friend Gloria Lowe, and I went to Connors restuarant for Easter Luncheon.  Mom had the Ribeye, Gloria had a Steak Salad and I put away a magnificent New York Strip.  All for less than $90 bucks!   Just shows how reasonable a gourmet lunch can be without a couple barrels of wine, Kathy!  It was magnificent!

After that we went just down the road apiece to visit Carl's (Mom's late husband)  grave and leave an Easter Lily from Church.  While we were there we re-created the opening of Easter Sunrise Services that Pastor Carl would belt from the rafters at Trinity starting in the 1960's.   Gloria recorded it on Video which you can watch by clicking the link above.

Though it sure would have been nice to be with Kathy & the Boys this Easter, it was great also being with Mom. I had a great time.

All Praises to God for the gift of our family!

Christ is Risen!  He is risen indeed! 

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