Well…. We all made it through this final week (some families last week) of home-school; school holidays here we come (hard to believe term one is now over!) For me, I can let out a sigh of relief, all the school work is done (for now); we can enjoy a bit of a relax at home, and spend a day here and there in our comfy pyjamas. Mister C and I wanted to wish everyone, everywhere a very calm and peaceful Easter. It is a tough one this year, with everyone having to stay at home and sacrifice our ‘usual’ family and/or friend gathering this time (we all know why). Mister C said to me yesterday, “Mummy, will the Easter Bunny be able to go to everyone’s houses like last year, with all the travel restrictions on at the moment?”… “Yes, my Son, the Government has issued a statement to the schools, waiving the restrictions for the Easter Bunny to do its choc egg deliveries this year.”…”Oh, that’s very good Mummy!”…
Easter represents so many unique beliefs, wonderful experiences with lasting memories for everyone, everywhere. Over this time, it is important for our own mental health, to remember the good times shared, in order to sometimes get through the tough times (like at present, I guess?). While we can’t do the things, we want to do right now, we can instead remember with fondness in our hearts, the times we shared (recently, or when a child ourselves, whichever brings us the most JOY!). I asked Husband, the girls and Mister C what Easter meant to each of them, their responses were as follows…
Husband commented, “Easter memories for him, are running into his Mum and Dad’s room early Easter Sunday morning; happy to have hugs, while holding his long Easter egg train tightly in his hand (they were my favourite too). Husband and his two brothers would laugh when his Dad pretended to find lots of eggs under the bed covers, they would laugh with delight!”…
Widy commented, “We shouldn’t have to say what Easter means to us, because we aren’t Christians, are we? Did I even get Christened, Mum?… (Yes, dear one!). I reminded Widy, the last time we went to Church, Mister C was a vibrant two- year old and was more interested in running up and down the aisle, in between baffled worshippers; so, it wound up being more uncomfortable than good…
Flossy commented, “Easter means giving each other yummy choc Easter egg gifts, and having a fun egg hunt in our backyard. Dad usually hides the eggs, while Mummy makes our brunch with Easter buns and croissants. I love to wear my bright pink bunny ears, matching with my Easter doggie, Duggie! When bunnies came along, soon there was too many; people wanted to get rid of them by way of hunting them. So, I guess that could represent the Easter hunt!…
Mister C commented, “Easter means a lot to me, Mummy; The Easter Bunny and choc eggs are what I love about Easter! I love the Easter Bunny, because he brings us lots of eggs. I love baby Jesus too; he is the Cross on our Easter buns. Why did Baby Jesus have to have nails in his hands and feet, and be put on the big Cross for us? It is a beautiful day for an Easter egg hunt in our pyjamas and Bunny ears!”…
My fond memories of Easter, include my dear Nan (Elizabeth- Betty for short) (dearly loved and always missed) coming to stay with us regularly over the Easter break and school hols. I recall, I was about ten years old, my Sister and I were excited for Easter and getting one of those long choc egg trains. We loved our Nan staying with us, she was always smiling, happy and calm. We enjoyed having ‘craft time’ together (me trying to knit left-handed- unsuccessfully!) and enjoyed a ‘cluppa’ (cup of hot tea) in the afternoon, with some orange cake and of course, choc eggs from our precious trains. I also recall, Nan would ‘read’ our tea leaves; this was a fun part of afternoon tea (every afternoon!). Nan would make sure there was a drop of liquid in the bottom of the tea-cup, swish it around three times and then tip out the contents in the sink. Nan would have her concentrating face on; while study the inside of the tea-cup for several seconds, and then ‘read’ our tea fortunes. Nan would always say something interesting; one thing ‘serious’ for three tea leaves stuck together; a travel plan, or a good thing if the tea leaf was bigger than the rest, like a present or box of goodies.
I will always fondly remember dear Nan; a special person, with whom my sister and I were grateful to have in our early childhood years. Back in 2007, when Husband and I first met (March), we both travelled together with Widy (my first daughter from previous relationship) to Wollongong, to see Nan for her Ninety-third birthday in May (always fell on Mother’s Day). It was a lovely occasion with the family, Nan always enjoyed KFC (it was her favourite treat), she called it ‘Kentucky chicken’ (eating KFC often is certainly not congruent with living to be ninety-three!), it was lovely to see her so bright, for her to see Widy again and meet Husband too. After our gathering finished, we walked with Nan back to her room. On our way out later, Nan called out, “Good-bye” to us all, and said directly to Husband (she had lost most of her eyesight at that time), but was looking directly at Husband, “Look after the baby.” On the drive home, Husband and I were a bit puzzled by the comment; Widy was a two-and-half year old toddler at the time to mention. It wasn’t until about two months later, I realised what she had meant; we soon found out we were expecting our sweet Flossy baby girl around the same time. It was very special to me, with Nan having said what she did; as she had sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep, approximately three days after our family gathering with her. Flossy was actually due on Nan’s birthday- Mother’s Day (the following year); arriving the week earlier in May 2008. Nan would have been pleased to know Flossy’s middle name is Elizabeth, like my Sister too…
A word from Mister C…
On the couch having Mummy cuddles, Mister C commented, “Last year I didn’t think the Easter Bunny was real, Mummy; but, this year I do! Do you think the Easter Bunny is a boy or a girl? Well, I think it’s a boy, because it has to have BIG muscles to carry all those eggs around to everyone’s houses, all night! Do you think the Easter Bunny is real, Mummy? … “Well, my Son”, I said smiling; “I think the Easter Bunny is a girl, and is very real! The Bunny is a girl, because she has a sweet face, but is also VERY strong. Girls can do just about anything boys can do!” … “Oh, I guess so, Mummy”, Mister C said, scratching his head. “But girls couldn’t eat as many choc eggs as us boys, you know?”… “Want to make a bet?” I said, tickling Mister C under the soles of his feet (where he is the most ticklish). “Don’t underestimate the power of being a girl; we could eat the same, if not more choc eggs!”… “Oh! Maybe the Bunny is a girl after all, Mummy; she would know how many eggs to make for the whole world, being a girl!”…
Stay tuned…
For more zany stories in 2015; we will get through the year eventually! We head down to Mollymook for another getaway before my last seven week long placement starts (aarg!). We book our family holiday to Tasmania for just after Christmas…. Have a peaceful Easter everyone. Night from full-choc bellied Mister C… ❤
Another enjoyable story from the delightful MisterC series!
Hi Granny, I hope you had a nice Easter, and the bunny came to your house. Hugs Mister C