Easter has been and is many things in my life. It has often, like this year, coincided with my birthday, and that sweetened the occasion with chocolate and a holiday, which most people never get on their birthday. Maybe that is why I always look forward to this time, even in old age.
As far back as I can remember Easter was family gatherings and large meals - hot cross buns-Spring walks with my mother in the woods full of bluebells-sweet scented wallflower-bright yellow and golden daffodil and crocus days. And the soft showers of rain which sent us scurrying for shelter, playing a trick- as the sun returned brilliant again as soon as we reached cover.
Teenage years brought haughty conversion. On Good Friday I now had better things to do than the usual family walk. I spent three hours at the church soaking up solemnity and superiority. Surely God did not fully approve of this casting off of custom - as I refashioned my cloak of many colours in grey?
University opened up my life and my conversion became unhinged by the flapping wings of freedom. Easter now, was going home, seeing parents, eating too much. Now church gave way again to good cheer. Sunday would occasionally see me in the pew again. I wanted a joyous service now. Not grief for sacrifice but celebration of life - life so full of love and promise.
Easter was and is that to me too. It brings the hope of better days, new life, sunny days - the end of death and Winter - hope springing eternal. A wonderful time of year.
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