NOT JUST ANOTHER EASTER

By Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughterin-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 12, 2020. Easter has always been a special day in our family. As a young girl I remember gathering colorful plastic eggs hidden by my parents. Yellow, pink and blue eggs stood out in the bright green grass. The front yard and backyard would be the place to seek and discover eggs filled with chocolates and sometimes a penny or two. Before Easter, Mama would take me to the local department store to find a new “Easter” dress and fancy shoes. That Sunday, the dining room table was filled with ham, mashed potatoes, collard greens and more. I remember the delightful scent of food cooking. I smile when recalling those meaningful moments.

Standing beside Daddy during church service, I looked up and watched as he sang the old hymns. I loved hearing the sound of his deep voice and watching the expression on his face as he sang the words.

With each passing Easter, more memories of family, friends and church were created. Taking our son to his first Easter service when he was a baby warmed our hearts. Photos were taken and we were happy to know we were bringing our child to know the Lord.

Years passed, the size of our family grew with marriages and friends who are considered family. True blessings. Easter brought us closer together and our faith grew.

Then, the importance of Easter took on a new meaning. On Sunday, April 12, 1998, my Daddy passed into the arms of Jesus. That particular Sunday was Easter.

With our family gathered at his bedside, we had kept vigil with Daddy for days. The oxygen machine hummed as air pumped into his lungs helping to calm the struggle of breathing. Lung cancer had ravaged his body. Feeding him, washing his body, trying our best to give comfort in any way we could. The end of his life was approaching. Our tears would not cease. Mama, my two sisters and I along with spouses, children and grandchildren gathered together. We tried to prepare for the moment our beloved Daddy and Granddaddy would leave and walk into the arms of the Lord.

Hours past from morning to evening. Daddy’s breath became slower. His eyes no longer opened. Each person in the family spoke to him, gently rubbed his hands, shared how much we loved him. A few times, Daddy would appear to show a slight smile.

Whispering next to his ear, I spoke, “Daddy, it’s okay to go now. We will take care of Mama.”

Each person gathered in the bedroom experienced a different scene. I believe God gave each of us unique ways to handle losing Daddy.

I am thankful for the parents God gave me. I am thankful for my family.

Every Easter, even if the date is not April 12th, tears flow as I thank God for His love and for giving me the blessing of wonderful parents.

Paul Lee and Iola Lee are my parents. Also, a photo of my Daddy holding me. One other is a photo of our son, Michael, sitting with his Granddaddy Lee. They were best friends. One photo is of Mama (Lola Lee). The Christmas tree photo is of Michael and Daddy.