Modern Angel

Thoroughly modern Berni, that was me in 1982. I was a single mom, pursuing my version of the American dream in suburbia with my 9 year old son. I kept going, with full-time employment, volunteer work, and raising my son. It seems in retrospect that he took a back seat at times to my other activities. That is why I why I was not sure of my hectic rushing through life. Was I doing the right thing? Would everything turn out all right in the end?

Easter came along, and on Holy Saturday there was a beautiful evening service that I was to be a part of, since I was in the church choir at the time. What a busy day it was! I cleaned the house and made bread that day, but I ran out of time before it was time for me to go to church. I left the bread on the stove to rise, hoping it would. Twice a year I made home made bread, but it did not always rise. In life there are no guarantees. Oh well, I thought, I will just hope for the best, as there was nothing else to do. I went off to church and left my son at home; he often accompanied me to church, but he did not that evening.

The Easter service was magical, and the church was resplendent with flowers. During one point in the service, I was transfixed by the sight and scent of the massive display of Easter lilies, and the smell of the incense burner, held by a cherubic altar server. The music was great, too! Following the beautiful service, I fairly floated home, because I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of the church. The most beautiful, life affirming surprise awaited me at home.

In my living room was a beautiful nine foot long banner proclaiming "Happy Easter." My son had prepared this surprise for me in my absence. It was not a computer generated banner, but a home made one, colored very brightly and lovingly in spring tones. It surprised me because it was so big and beautiful, and I could not imagine how he put it up by himself!

The family's Easter bread also rose. I certainly felt the joy and comfort of the "He is risen!" Pascal message. Everything would turn out all right for my son and me. I just knew it, that evening, and twenty-two years later, everything has. My son is now a fine man, who is still as loving and surprising as that nine year old boy was.  I have added a loving husband and daughter to my family as well. Alleluia.