Bittersweet Easter

Easter 2010 arrived shortly after we learned of Cathy's diagnosis with the cancer that eventually would take her life so tragically early.  At that time, the illness had not yet begun to take the toll that it did soon thereafter.  Looking back on it now, I realize even more than I did then what a treasured weekend it was.  Cathy and her grandchildren laughed and played together, and the rest of her family and friends relished her company -- all the time with sadness and a little bit of fear not far from the surface.  Truly bittersweet.

Much of this gorgeous weekend was spent in the backyard of Christina's house, playing badminton.  The kids (and Cathy) enjoyed every minute, and the competitive juices flowed.

Then, of course, came the Easter egg hunt on Sunday, obviously a favorite of the younger kids, but Nina and David could not help inserting themselves into the middle of the action as well.