As of 7p this evening, we are back from Amsterdam here in Hannover until Saturday when we make our 4-hour drive, moving our accumulated Hannover stuff to Amsterdam. But I'll talk about that on Saturday before we leave.
For right now, I want to talk about Easter and its memories for me.
The Wednesday before Easter in 1995 was April 12, the day Dad died. The day before Easter in 1997 was March 29, the day Mom died. On February 24th of 1996, in between those two years, my brother Bennett died. (Most of you already know this from when I memorialized them last year.)
Hold that thought.
The other day on the treadmill, I was listening to Walela sing Bright Morning Stars are Rising:
Now listen to the (only!) 3 stanzas they sing:
For right now, I want to talk about Easter and its memories for me.
The Wednesday before Easter in 1995 was April 12, the day Dad died. The day before Easter in 1997 was March 29, the day Mom died. On February 24th of 1996, in between those two years, my brother Bennett died. (Most of you already know this from when I memorialized them last year.)
Hold that thought.
The other day on the treadmill, I was listening to Walela sing Bright Morning Stars are Rising:
(Chorus)
Bright morning stars are rising,
Bright morning stars are rising,
Bright morning stars are rising,
And Day is breaking in my soul.
Bright morning stars are rising,
Bright morning stars are rising,
Bright morning stars are rising,
And Day is breaking in my soul.
Now listen to the (only!) 3 stanzas they sing:
Oh where are our dear fathers,
Oh where are our dear fathers,
They're on the mountain praying,
And day is breaking in my soul.
Oh where are our dear fathers,
They're on the mountain praying,
And day is breaking in my soul.
Carl Clarence Hart
January 2, 1917 - April 12, 1995
Oh where are our dear brothers,
Oh where are our dear brothers,
They're off to war a-fighting,
And day is breaking in my soul.
January 2, 1917 - April 12, 1995
Oh where are our dear brothers,
Oh where are our dear brothers,
They're off to war a-fighting,
And day is breaking in my soul.
Bennett Williams Hart
June 28, 1948 - February 24, 1996
Oh where are our dear mothers,
Oh where are our dear mothers,
They're off to Heaven shouting,
And day is breaking in my soul.
June 28, 1948 - February 24, 1996
Oh where are our dear mothers,
Oh where are our dear mothers,
They're off to Heaven shouting,
And day is breaking in my soul.
Barbara Nelson Bennett Hart
June 26, 1916 - March 29, 1997
June 26, 1916 - March 29, 1997
As I'm sure you can imagine, Easter now always has a deeper death/resurrection meaning for me and my sibs. But this year, even more so....
Bright morning stars are rising,
And day is breaking in my soul.
And day is breaking in my soul.
I just looked up Walela on Rhapsody and enjoyed the full experience of your blog. Very beautiful and moving:) I was just watching a movie called ONE, which I highly recommend- you'd probably have to order it online. This is a documentary of a small crew who went around the world asking spiritual leaders 20 questions, like what is the meaning of life, what happens after death, etc. If you get a chance, I think you would enjoy it. Have a very Happy Easter:))
ReplyDeleteDearest Ginnie,
ReplyDeleteYet another connection to me across the (currently) globe. My father died the day after Easter in 1992. Such a moving tribute to your dear loved ones and an amazing song to go hand in hand with your loving post.
Big hugs!
A beautiful and very moving post, Ginnie. I hope you have a wonderful Easter in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteRachel: I'll have to check out that movie. Sounds like one I'd enjoy! Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteMad: Oh my! I didn't know about your dad. So you definitely know how I feel at this time of the year! Hugs to us both!
CS: Thank you so much. We'll arrive back in AMS the day before Easter. I hope we'll be able to sit still for awhile to "meditate."
What a thoughtful and moving post Ginnie. The loss of once dearest is often more painful connected to holidays as it is family time. But I'm sure you have a lot of good memories to dwell on too so count your blessings.
ReplyDeleteWish you still a wonderful stay and A Happy Easter:-)
That must have been a moving experience listening to Walela and having this all come together again! Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is like that in our family. Although, I remember that my father's mother died at Easter time. You are lucky to have those beautiful old photos of your parents in their youth. Thank you for sharing them in this lovely memorial.
ReplyDeleteRenny: Thanks! Yes, it's family time, so this is definitely a tear and a smile.
ReplyDeleteRuth: Yes, it was a nice connection! Very meaningful.
Karen: I do feel very lucky, indeed!
what a lovely story and photos of your family.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you
Thanks, Lille & Nevada, for stopping by and commenting. I wonder who you are and how you found me?!
ReplyDeleteGinnie: that's a lovely heartfelt post. Your family pictures are beautiful, I know you treasure their memories dearly. And what a lovely dress your mother is wearing. I read your previous post about your mum, she obviously was a lady to contend with... Happy memories. And Happy Easter to you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely very moving. I hope you have a great time in Europe which of course you know is so close to my heart...
ReplyDeleteEx-S: Thank you kindly for your lovely and special words! Yes, Mom was way ahead of her time!
ReplyDeleteET: Yes, I know, so I'll just take you around with me!