Easter Sunday Surprises!

Last Easter, actually a few weeks before Easter, Shea surprised me with a plane ticket so that I could go home for Easter. He had to work so he couldn't go, and one ticket is much more affordable than two. I was shocked and so excited to see my family. I had been pretty homesick, not to mention that the school semester had been extremely rough for me. I am so lucky to have Shea in my life. I was so sad to leave him and I missed him like crazy the whole time. But I did enjoy the time with my family; they were also surprised and ecstatic to have me home, even if it was just for a short visit. Since I knew Shea would be sad to be without me on Easter I made a little Easter basket of goodies and hid it in the (office) closet, before I left. On Easter morning I called Shea and told him to look in the back of the closet for a little surprise! He loved it and was so excited to have something special for Easter.

This Easter we are together! Yay! So to keep the surprises coming we decided that this year we would make each other Easter baskets filled with goodies. We bought our baskets together and were allotted a certain amount to spend on one another. Then we hid our goodies, on Easter morning we arranged each other’s Easter baskets and put a blanket over top, we then revealed our surprises to one another. It was so fun. I love Shea and am so glad that I can share my life with him.

Later that day we had Easter dinner with Shea’s family. It is so nice to have family close by to spend time with. We are so grateful for them and the support that they give us.

As I reflect on the importance of Easter and remembering the resurrection of our Savior I came across the words given by President Ezra Taft Benson:

“The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number of people for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of [our Savior]… Nothing is more absolutely universal than the resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. ‘As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.’ (1 Cor. 15:22.) Angels appeared and said simply, ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.’ (Luke 24:3–6.) Nothing in history equals that dramatic announcement: ‘He is not here, but is risen.’”

This Easter gives me the chance to remember the strength I have been given. I am so fortunate to have been raised by faithful parents that set me on the path of righteousness. I am grateful to have a husband that is a worthy priesthood holder, who loves me and is supportive of my role in our home. I am blessed with the opportunity to soon become a parent, to this beautiful child inside of me. And of utmost importance I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made, and our Heavenly Father who bestows upon me great blessings. I am so happy to have a life filled with so much joy.

Happy Easter!