Day Twenty Nine

What a great day today. Yesterday, Patty’s sister, Cindy, her brother, John, and most of their families, along with a few friends gathered at the house for supper. It was great fun and a very relaxed time. Two nephews, Daniel and Travis, one guy that I call a nephew even though we aren’t actually related, Chandler, and a friend of Daniel’s stayed at the house last night. This morning all the guys had our traditional Easter breakfast – quiche, grits, great coffee, and croissants. It was such a celebration to be with this great group of young men and just enjoy their company.

Our service at First Presbyterian in Athens was maybe the best Easter service I have ever attended. The music was spectacular, the sermon was great, and the whole atmosphere was electrifying. It made me proud to be a member of the church.

After church, 44 family and friends gathered at our house for Easter lunch. What a time of celebration. Like all of our gatherings, it was a covered dish feast. From Vera’s fried okra to Martha’s field peas and creamed corn, to Susan’s deviled eggs it was a feast. Maybe the most exciting part was that people truly enjoyed being there. You could tell that people enjoyed each other’s company. Friends, family, those who were there for the first time truly enjoyed being together.

We had a treat in the afternoon. Justin Wallace, Patty’s cousin’s son who is in the Navy, was home on leave and came by with his girlfriend. Everyone was gone except Sheryl, his mom, Brent, Sheryl’s husband, and Shanna, Justin’s sister. We had a great visit.

As we collapsed on the sofa, I thought about how lucky I really am.

The sermon was entitled, Morning has Broken. We also sang the song by the same name. Indeed, on this Easter, a new day and a new spirit was born.