happy easter

if this bunny reminds you of something, i wouldn't be surprised. if you have seen the movie Donnie Darko, then it remind you of the scary rabbit character in that movie. this bunny does not bring me happy images of easter. it scares me when it comes out every year for easter. we don't just have one of these. it's a set of THREE. however, they will proudly be on display each and every year in our home. these were given to us by sara's grandmother, dolly, who passed away three years and two days ago. and although, i never met the woman i am reminded in little ways how i am still affected by her. i was always amazed that even though her and her husband had so little; they gave so much to everyone that they touched. we have a picture of them on our fridge and it always makes me smile. i wish i had gotten the chance to meet them.

despite the fact that christmas is my birthday, i have had a strong attachment to easter since i went to college. easter always reminds me of father kelly and my friends from school. i always felt that i came closest to God through his suffering. i remember walking across campus with my friend as he carried a large wooden cross. i remember having my feet washed by father kelly and feeling completely humbled. this year, i celebrated easter merely today. i let the season of lent completely pass me by. i think i've forgotten that i can pray every single day and in any moment, not just at service. i don't go to mass anymore. i do go to metropolitan community church, a church that openly accepts gays and lesbians. i still feel as if i am and will always be Catholic, but i don't worship in that church at least for now.

this year, i sat next to one of my best friends here in maryland, jake and his boyfriend, david. behind me, kevin sang his heart out and in front of me, Pastor David sang with such amazing passion i was completely overwhelmed. as many know, i'm strongly affected by the music at church. and even though we only have twenty or so people there, we make a joyful noise. i've always gone to large churches. this one is small, but i really feel at home there. and i like that there is a growing mixture of people in attendance...straight, gay, white, black, young and old. easter, this year, was a reminder that God isn't just at church on Sundays and holidays. He's in the everyday and in everyone. i wish everyone a happy easter.