3/27 - Sam's Journey - Day 106

For a very long time, Easter has always been my favorite holiday. In fact, it is so significant to me, that I often have trouble getting through the opening hymn, I am that affected. I love everything about that church service--the celebration of it all, the music (especially the music!) and the promise we are given. Like so many things since December 12th, it has taken on new meaning. As I listened to Jim playing the prelude (you killed it, by the way, dear) I read what I've read the verse from Psalm 118 a million times before, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." And it struck me. This IS the day. This is the day that has carried us through this awful time. This is why it's all going to be ok. Many times over the last 3+ months, God has literally brought Sam back from the edge of death. Today is the day we remember that we have ALL been brought back. Never before since all of this started have we clung so tightly to the promise of the resurrection. As we get ready to bring Sam home tomorrow, that promise is still our greatest hope and bears us through whatever comes next. Today, though, we hold on to it, not in the desperation we felt in December and January, but in absolute faith that it will all be ok. As our family celebrates this day of new life, and as we prepare for Sam's homecoming tomorrow, we celebrate with you, not just what God has done for Sam, but for all of us.  So, dear #TeamSam, Easter blessings to you ALL.

Many of you know that one of our Easter traditions is to take a family picture in church. Since we are all spread far and wide, and we refuse to take a family picture without Sam, here is one from a while back. Sam's the one with the pocket bunny.