A Holy Week of Holidays

Holy Week was not meant to be celebrated with social distancing!

This week culminates in the most important holiday of my faith tradition, Easter. Passover, an important holiday for one branch of my family, also begins this week.

Both are important religious observances that involve FAMILY, COMMUNITY, TOGETHERNESS. And here we are, mingling via social media and getting our communal spiritual sustenance via TV. <Sigh>

Family Traditions

Besides the busy religious observances of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, I’ve always loved the nonreligious traditions of Easter. I was so looking forward to coloring Easter eggs this year with my grandson, 32 months old and already talking a blue streak, crafting, and daubing paint everywhere.

But with Covid 19 infections rising where we live, and my husband’s precarious health, we’re sending hugs and kisses via FaceTime.

Counting Our Blessings

We’re missing other in-person celebrations as well: milestone birthdays for a good friend and my daughter.

The last time I managed to get all the kids and grandkids together was at Christmas. When I tried to set a date for dinner in January or February, my son (who is single, lives alone at the beach, and–except for now–travels all the time for work) said, “let’s plan it for your birthday, Mom.”

Yep! My birthday is celebrated this Holy Week. I guess the lesson is, don’t wait too long to spend time with family and the ones you love. But who would have expected a pandemic?

I count my blessings though that I’m not alone, that I have plenty of food (and TP!), excellent neighbors, working wifi, and, so far, good health.

And books! I have lots of those!

My heart goes out especially to the people of Italy, Spain, Iran, and New York, who are suffering so terribly from this pandemic, and to everyone working to provide food, shelter and care, especially medical personnel. Sending good wishes and prayers for all of you!

Images: getstencil.com