Easter 2008I guess it's no surprise that Lauren LOVED Easter too ...
She loved all holidays and all reasons to celebrate, after all.
But, ... Easter was different -
and holds very special significance to our family.
Please allow us to share --
Easter has always meant more to us than chocolate, baskets, rabbits, and colored eggs. Although it's true that we got new Easter outfits, ate too much chocolate every year, and hunted for eggs; we held quite close, one very special, not well-known tradition in our family. Plastic eggs hidden around our yard or home by a mysterious 'bunny' were filled with money, candy, toys, trinkets, notes and other surprises. Each egg was fun to find and receive, but there was one egg that was wanted and cherished above all the other prizes ... one egg that was the 'jackpot' of all Easter eggs ... one egg that was worth more than anything in all the other eggs. This personal egg was always our favorite color, and had our name on the outside ... with a reminder of just whom the giver is ... "From Jesus Christ."
Always, ... inside the egg is our most cherished of all Easter gifts ... EMPTY.
"He is not here, for he is risen, as he said." (Matthew 28:6)
The very best Easter gift ever is indeed, the one that was empty ... the tomb of our Savior, Jesus Christ. An empty tomb meant he had claimed victory over sin and victory over death. He had borne our grief and suffered our pain. An empty tomb meant the Atonement was complete - finished - and both universally and personally given. While it is a universal gift to all the world, it was a very personal gift to Lauren and it is a very personal gift to each of us.
With more profound gratitude than ever before, we celebrate the gift that is Easter.
We think Lauren would want you to know that she knew (and we know) of this grand reality. She would want you to know that her spirit lives on ... free of fear, free of cancer, free of pain. She lives continually surrounded by friends and people who love her. Lauren, in this lifetime, knew the Giver of the gift ... and she knew him as her 'best, heavenly friend.' His empty tomb was something she cherished with all of her heart ... even before the numerous death sentences she was called upon to face. She knew before her spirit was received back home, and she, perfectly prepared, embraced her Best, Heavenly Friend. We know she tearfully thanked him on her knees at his feet. Their friendship is eternal . . .
In honor of the Gift given through nail-pierced hands, and in memory of how much Lauren loves you, we have placed an empty plastic egg with your name on it on her grave on this day, Good Friday, 2010.
Happy Easter!
With more profound gratitude than ever before, we celebrate the gift that is Easter.
We think Lauren would want you to know that she knew (and we know) of this grand reality. She would want you to know that her spirit lives on ... free of fear, free of cancer, free of pain. She lives continually surrounded by friends and people who love her. Lauren, in this lifetime, knew the Giver of the gift ... and she knew him as her 'best, heavenly friend.' His empty tomb was something she cherished with all of her heart ... even before the numerous death sentences she was called upon to face. She knew before her spirit was received back home, and she, perfectly prepared, embraced her Best, Heavenly Friend. We know she tearfully thanked him on her knees at his feet. Their friendship is eternal . . .
In honor of the Gift given through nail-pierced hands, and in memory of how much Lauren loves you, we have placed an empty plastic egg with your name on it on her grave on this day, Good Friday, 2010.
Happy Easter!
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