I’m not sure why some holidays more than others make me think of Alice but Easter is one of them. And I noticed yesterday as The Professor and I were enjoying the hustle-bustle of Findlay Market in Cincinnati that you couldn’t miss the fact that Easter was here: chocolate bunnies, hot-cross buns, fresh hams and tabletop displays of large, paper mache’ eggs intertwined with twigs and flowers all set the stage for today’s celebration and gathering of families.
Alice loved to color Easter eggs – it was a tradition that she took seriously and in fact, even during those times she was in the hospital and feeling crappy, you’d still find her in the activity room coloring eggs with the younger kids. And she loved the candy! I’m not sure what her favorite was but all I know is that if there was sugar in it, Alice loved it!
Her brother continues the tradition this year coloring eggs with the nieces and nephews – we all miss her but seeing the brightly colored eggs, children racing to collect hidden treasures and photos of the meals families are sharing together today makes me smile . . .
Love you girl . . .
Happy Easter to you and your families . . . thanks so much for stopping by!
Isn’t it strange how our memories of people we love are so tied in with certain holidays – or foods, or places, or songs…
I hope you had a blessed Easter, Debra.
exactly MJ – you just never know what is going to trigger a memory; sometimes sad, sometimes funny but always good. Hugs to you MJ!
I’m always happy to see people honoring and remembering loved ones whom they’ve lost. It is heartbreaking to think of you family’s loss. But seeing those pictures of Alice sure makes us all smile.
thanks so much Katrina!
It’s good to hear that thoughts of Alice bring a smile; it’s a sign of the healing that time does bring. Hope you had a good day Deb.
we had a low key kinda day and was exactly what we both needed – hope yours was fabulous too Barb!
Debra, I am new to following your blog and am so touched by this story. Was Alice your daughter? My husband and I are involved with Cystic Fibrosis in Omaha, NE
My daughters best friend from college lost her fight with CF 4 years ago and it seems like yesterday. We miss her everyday!
Hi Melissa – Alice was my granddaughter; she lost her battle w/CF this past October at 20. She was a lovely girl who is missed every day. And while we have days that are sad, I still find joy in remembering her spirit, her infectious laugh and her fearless nature; sometime people are afraid to bring her up because they think it makes us sad. But the truth is that when we don’t talk about her, it’s as if she never existed and Alice lived her life in a big way! Thank you for visiting and for asking about Alice; my thoughts and prayers are w/your family and the loss of your daughter’s friend.
Hi Debra, thank for the kind words. I can so understand about people not knowing what to say. CF is so devastating because it takes the life of such young men and women. Leslie was 21 and just getting ready to graduate from college. My daughter was changed forever and misses Leslie everyday. But, like Alice, Leslie was full of life and never complained once! Let’s keep their memories alive!!
Awwwwwwwwwwe. GREG
God bless you and your beautiful memories of your beloved Alice on this Easter day.
thank you so much Paula – she was a sweet girl with a big heart; am so very thankful to have had her in our lives! (((hugs)))
Happy Easter to you and your Professor! And Alice is going to live a long time in your memories:) Hugs!
thanks so much Lana – Alice will live in our memories as long as we’re alive – we’re so thankful she was a part of ours! xo
Wishing a Happy Easter to you and the Professor. And happy that the tradition continues in Alice’s brother. 🙂
[K]
thank you Kim; life moves on and we have the privilege of taking those memories w/us! xo
Beautiful story, beautifully written! A blessed Easter to you and yours.
Thanks so much Kate – Alice was a special soul with a big, big heart and we are very fortunate to have known her. She was loved deeply and is missed
My heart breaks whenever I hear about this wonderful woman. Sending you loving thoughts this Easter. Mwah!
hugs to you Brian – she was a wonderful soul!