I’m not a particularly religious person, but being raised Catholic and attending parochial school, Easter has always meant a time of hope and new beginnings for me.
While the Lenten season was filled with sadness and reflection, the resurrection depicted a time to let go of sorrow and find joy. My mother was a devout Catholic and made sure we gave up something that was important to us during Lent. For me, it was usually candy and other sweets.We also attended Stations of the Cross each Friday and had to go to confession, which I hated.
I can remember the Lenten season always brought with it a feeling of sorrow. That feeling magically disappeared when the fasting ended and the celebration of Easter Sunday mass marked the rising of Christ. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders and I could eat candy again.
I look at the past year as almost a year-long Lenten season. Like so many others, I was forced to give up many things I love. A fast from seeing friends and family, from attending live performances, going to movies, traveling, and just sitting at a bar and enjoying a cocktail. This year more than ever with the lifting of restrictions on restaurants and other businesses on Easter Sunday, as well as the increased availability of the vaccine, I have renewed hope for the future.
I’ve come through this pandemic like many of you — a little sadder, a little more anxious, but much more committed to the health and well-being of our community, and with a better understanding of what is truly important in my life. After a tough year, I finally see light at the end of the long tunnel and look forward to moving on and continuing to live life to the fullest.
Easter is also a time to reflect. Today, I’m taking the time to remember the lives lost, both near and far. Several of my closest friends lost loved ones — parents, brothers, sisters, and tragically, children over the past year. We also lost a very close friend, which was a somber reminder of how fragile life can be. While it has been a time of great heartbreak, it has also been a time of hope. I’ve seen people rise to the occasion in supporting those around them. I’ve experienced great generosity, courage, and a strong sense of camaraderie in our community.
In celebration of Easter, it’s my hope that we can all rise up and move forward. The holiday gives us an opportunity to put aside the pain and disappointment of the past year and let go of our struggles. To embrace hope, reset our priorities, strengthen the important relationships in our life, and focus on healing.
I’m ready to embrace the new, how about you? Cheers to new beginnings this Easter day!
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Ruth Corcoran is a professional marketer, former restaurant owner, and community advocate. She resides in Bear Creek. Readers can reach Ruth by emailing [email protected].