Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / That's Life / What I Did for Easter

What I Did for Easter

April 10, 2007 By Carole

Easter is not an easy holiday for me. My older brother Donald had a motorcycle accident on April 1, 1983 and it was also Good Friday. He died a week later on April 8th and Easter has been just a little bit tragic ever since. This year’s Easter actually fell on the 24th anniversary of his death. So, I did what any smart woman would do. I armed myself with family, good food, and a couple of mimosas.




We had all the kids and grandkids over for a yummy dinner of ham, Parmesan mashed potatoes, asparagus and carrots. There was coconut cake and cheesecake for dessert. We had an egg hunt – inside due to the unseasonably cold weather – and an all around pleasant day. I loved how noisy and chaotic it all was, a sharp contrast to Easter 1983 when we were in the midst of tragedy and grief.

I have some close blog friends who have recently experienced personal loss and I just want to say things do get better. Not all at once and not always when you want. But it does get better. Time and family and love – those are the things that have brought healing to my life.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailEaster Celebration Default ThumbnailWeekending, With Easter Default ThumbnailN is for Nor’Easter Default ThumbnailEaster Egg Socks
« Sock Madness: I’m Done and Out
Lucky Me! »

Filed Under: That's Life

Comments

  1. Karen says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:08 am

    I’m glad you could find comfort with your family. I’ll keep your friend in my thoughts.

  2. Lucia says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:12 am

    What a lovely family time! I’m so glad it helped you. Beautiful flowers, and is that a papier-mache egg?

  3. Kelly says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:23 am

    It’s good that you had your family for support and it looks like they all had a great time.

  4. Chris says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:27 am

    Hugs! Loss never goes away so I’m glad you have healthy coping outlets to help you deal with that sadness.

  5. Carol says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:34 am

    Oh Carole, I’m so very sorry. Good for your soul that you can at least ease it with all that’s good in life. {{HUGS}}

  6. PumpkinMama says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:43 am

    Glad you had your wonderful family around you – looks like a great time.

  7. sean says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:44 am

    Nothing brings back a loved one. And nothing makes us forget nor would we want to. But, there’s no better way to celebrate life than with loved ones.

  8. Angie says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:47 am

    Thanks for the insights, they’re a nice reassurance. I’m so sorry for your loss and that you are reminded of it at a holiday. I’m happy that you’ve found a good way to deal with it. I didn’t see a photo of the mimosas, but did I see some roving?! *g*

  9. margene says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:55 am

    You’ve had too many hard losses in life. Your sense of humor, joy for life and family are hard won. It sounds like a lovely memorable day.

  10. Kim says

    April 10, 2007 at 7:58 am

    A good family is a powerful healer. I’m glad that your family it there to always help you thru this sad holiday. We lost a grandbaby on Christmas eve a few years ago and every year do much the same as you do for Easter…..we fill it up with love, which somehow helps soften the memory a bit.

    Hugs!
    BTW…..we had almost the exact same dinner here, except the coconut desert was a pie…LOL

  11. Robin in VA says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:05 am

    {{{{{BIG HUG}}}}}
    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds and looks like you had the perfect recipe for getting through such a difficult day!

  12. Leslie says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:09 am

    Your family is beautiful! I’m glad you had them to surround you and make the holiday good for you.

  13. Marcy says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:12 am

    We called it “baby magic” in my family when my mom passed away. It’s a great antidote to grief, isn’t it?

  14. Julie says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:31 am

    What a nice looking family you’ve got there. It’s so nice that you have such a loving family to help you celebrate life.
    Take care.

  15. Manise says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:39 am

    Loss around a holiday is hard and it’s never quite the same again. Glad you have such a wonderful family to help you get through it. Many hugs to you my friend.

  16. Cheryl says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:44 am

    Mmm, that sounds like a good dinner! I had a big family day too, and it did feel good!

  17. Cynthia says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:51 am

    Carole, I certainly understand where you are coming from. Being surrounded by the ones you love is important.

    I don’t think you ever ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one (which seems to be what many people think you are supposed to do), I think you learn to ‘get through it,’ an important distinction that has helped me heal from my sister’s death.

    I wish you lots of warm comforting thoughts.

  18. hillary says

    April 10, 2007 at 8:55 am

    So sorry to hear that the holiday is tied to such sad memories. Surrounding yourself with family really is the best medicine.

  19. Laura says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:02 am

    Hugs to you Carole! I know the grief and love for your dear brother truly never ends. If anything can help to wash away the sadness it’s the precious little children you have around you. A lovely collage of your Easter Day and sweet little ones there. 🙂

  20. Kristi aka Fiber Fool says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:39 am

    I’m so sorry you have tragedy shadowing a holiday so focused on new life. It must be rough. Your photos look like a great way to keep on going through the grief! *hugs*

  21. Birdsong says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:42 am

    What a lovely and generous post. You are right, things DO get better, and we are then better armed for other events that come along. I love all the pictures.

  22. Kathy says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:51 am

    I am so sorry. Here is to continued happy celebrations. xoxoxo

  23. Mindy says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:21 am

    There is nothing like little ones to make you appreciate what you still have and to cherish every minute.

  24. Sereknitty says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:26 am

    I’m glad you were able to find a way of enjoying the holiday. You are right, time and the love of family and friends can heal all things.

  25. Teyani says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:26 am

    Oh Carole – losing a brother so young is such a deep sorrow.May the passing of years soften the ache in your heart.
    The blessings of adorable small children certainly do help. Such cuteness!

  26. Chris says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:31 am

    I’m sorry to hear that this is such a sad time of year for you – but glad to see that you are surrounded by family and friends.

  27. Elisabeth says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:32 am

    It can be difficult to celebrate holidays when they are so closely tied to a day of loss. In the beginning, it can seem as though the gatherings associated with the holidays were made to emphasize who _isn’t_ there. I’m glad you were able to make the most of the day.

    The night my grandfather died, as we were all leaving the hospital, we passed by the nursery to see the baby that was born that day. Somehow, it made our grief easier to bear, to see the beginning of a new life. Easter itself is a time of renewal, of new life. It always has been, even before Christianity co-opted it. I will skip the sermon since I know few people appreciate such things. But think about the symbols of Easter–the bunny, the master of fertility; the egg, the symbol of a new life. And spring is all around us, with flowers emerging despite the snow and cold that is reminding us of winter. It helps me to think of those things–to remember the continuity of lif–when I am enveloped in the the sadness that accompanies the remembrance of a loss.

  28. Lisa says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:48 am

    Hugs to you!!

  29. Heather R. says

    April 10, 2007 at 11:25 am

    Easter reminds me that the Lord has ascended and will someday return again..So I always feel like something new is beginning with every easter, and think about one day seeing my grandmother again. Its a melancholy holiday, isn’t it? I was going to blog about it, but didn’t want to scare anyone-now I wish I had. Being around the children always helps, but the feeling of missing someone important is always there!

  30. Cookie says

    April 10, 2007 at 11:33 am

    I’m so glad that you and your family had a lovely day together. While nothing can take the pain and loss, I like to think the new happy memories help to ease the pain and offer some comfort. Plus cake. ;^) *hugs*

  31. Rosa says

    April 10, 2007 at 12:07 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. It is truly wonderfully when family can unite during a sad time to honor the memory of their lost loved one and to cherish those that are present.

  32. maryse says

    April 10, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    i’m glad you had a such a lovely time with your family.and the grand-daughter is so cute.

  33. Debi says

    April 10, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    It’s wonderful that you can celebrate Donald’s life with the future generations that he lives on thru.

    It does get better but in some ways it stays an open wound like the very day it happened. The only way to cope is to have loving family and friends (like you!) to help you thru it.

  34. BigAlice says

    April 10, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    I’m glad you had a happy easter; I’m so sorry about your brother.

  35. Beth S. says

    April 10, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    I’m glad it was better this year. 🙂

    That’s Easter-egg-kit roving, yes? I see it hiding in plain sight up there on the right… very cheery. 🙂

  36. Sara says

    April 10, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    My turn to say “thank you” to you – personal loss comes in many other ways besides the death of a loved one…and it is nice to know there will one day be a healing of sorts.

  37. Anne says

    April 10, 2007 at 3:58 pm

    With such adorable faces to surround you, how could you not have a good day? Hugs!

  38. Leah says

    April 10, 2007 at 4:09 pm

    Bless you! I just wanted to hide in my bed all day Sunday, but we did the family thing too, and it helped a lot. Just seeing the joy and happiness in your life let’s me know that things will get better. Thank you for that!

    xox

  39. christine says

    April 10, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    Lovely post, Carole. Yep, things do get better, but just like the “wheels of justice” exceedingly slowly. Glad you had a pleasant day. I, too, had to play the mimosa card………..

  40. Susan says

    April 10, 2007 at 4:58 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It looks like you had tons of love to go around on Easter.

  41. JessaLu says

    April 10, 2007 at 6:06 pm

    You have a beautiful family – so glad you could spend the day surrounded by them :o) *hugs*

  42. Laurie says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:34 pm

    There are always the echoes of pain. You sound as if you are doing well despite.

  43. ~Kristie says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:42 pm

    Oh Carole, you must hate the first week of April every year. I have no point of reference in understanding how you feel, but I still wish I could give you a hug (followed by a stiff drink).

    Your family is beautiful and I’m so glad you were surrounded by your loved ones.

  44. Rachel says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story of loss and healing, Carole. I’m glad you have your family for strength (and laughter and joy and distraction).

  45. brenda says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:02 pm

    I’m so glad that you have been healing over the years. I, too, lost a sibling this time of year. My oldest sister died suddenly 10 years ago last week (I posted about it last week). Time does help, but it’s a tough time of year for me too. She went into a coma on Easter Sunday and died a week later. Thanks for sharing.

  46. scout says

    April 10, 2007 at 10:37 pm

    Oh Carole. I’m glad you were surrounded by your family.
    xo

  47. Annie says

    April 11, 2007 at 6:25 am

    You have a beautiful family, and I’m sure your brother was with you in spirit. God bless.

  48. Jessica says

    April 11, 2007 at 11:12 am

    Big hugs to you. My grandmother died on July 3rd, 1990, so the 4th never holds the same feeling for me as it used to either.

  49. Bakerina says

    April 14, 2007 at 6:01 pm

    You are a very smart woman. The food sounds wonderful, the family looks beautiful, and I am a big believer in the power of mimosas.

    All cheekiness aside, I’m sure that that was not an easy post to write. I’m so glad that you and your family have each other, and I’m lucky to have you as a friend.

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine # I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine #thewaylifeshouldbe #maine #theviewfromhere
Friday night snacks look better from here. And als Friday night snacks look better from here. And also, I’m not oblivious to today’s news, I’m devastated. I’m also extra grateful to (a) live in Massachusetts and (b) be privileged enough to ignore it for right now while on vacation. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #baysidemaine #cheeseandcrackers #myhappyplace
Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Friday. #oonipizzaoven @ooni.it #pizzanight #outdoorliving #margaritapizza #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyayn Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyaynight #helloweekend #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #charcuterie #outdoorliving
Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningv Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningvibes #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #fredandgeorge
Friday night is pizza night these days. And those Friday night is pizza night these days. And those napkins? They sum up the secret to our 25 (next Tuesday!) year marriage! #oonipizzaoven #fridaynightsnacks #peaceloveandcocktails
It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch un It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch under the pergola. #sundaybrunch #brunchalfresco #pergolaliving #outdoorliving #inmybackyard #juneismyfavoritemonth
My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Sti My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Still, I’m grateful to head into Memorial Day weekend focusing on the good, remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, seeking common ground and (always) looking for hope. If all that fails, at least I’ve got a martini. And snacks. #fridaynightsnacks #memorialdayweekend2022 #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime
I love a hotel conference room with a view! #massl I love a hotel conference room with a view! #masslib2022 #libraryconference #aroomwithaview
Flower haul, day 2. #flowersaremagical #containerg Flower haul, day 2. #flowersaremagical #containergardening #timetoplant #givemealltheplants
It was a good day for plant shopping, my annual tr It was a good day for plant shopping, my annual tradition with my gardening bestie @doemack87 . I think we even left some plants behind … maybe. 🤣 #plantshopping #containergardening #plantsgalore #flowersaremagical
Pizza perfection tonight! Margherita for me and pe Pizza perfection tonight! Margherita for me and pepperoni for him. I’m loving our @oonihq pizza oven. #oonipizzaoven #ooni #margheritapizza #pepperonipizza #homemadeisbest #imadeitmyself #summernights
Fred has assured me that there is no pea under tha Fred has assured me that there is no pea under that pile of quilts. #fredandgeorge #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecat #princessandthepea #pileofquilts
First al fresco breakfast of the season, air fryer First al fresco breakfast of the season, air fryer hash browns with avocado and crispy fried eggs. Delicious! And so nice to enjoy under the pergola. #breakfastalfresco #inmybackyard #airfryerhashbrown
Fridays on the deck are the best Fridays of all. # Fridays on the deck are the best Fridays of all. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #happyhourathome #itsspringbutfeelslikesummer
Ranunculus season is short, gotta enjoy these beau Ranunculus season is short, gotta enjoy these beauties while we can. #ranunculus #flowersaremagical #springblooms #crossstreetflowerfarm
Two kitties in a basket! #fredandgeorge #siameseca Two kitties in a basket! #fredandgeorge #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecorner #siamesecats
It’s Friday night, friends. Time for snacks. Ooo It’s Friday night, friends. Time for snacks. Ooof, what a week. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #thosenapkinsthough #iwishiwasaunicornsoicouldstabpeoplewithmyhead #fuckyouscotus
Egg in the hole for breakfast this Saturday mornin Egg in the hole for breakfast this Saturday morning. So delicious with @paindavignoncafe bread and local eggs. #saturdaymorningvibes #egginthehole #itswhatsforbreakfast #localfood #eatlocal
In this week’s adventures with the Ooni, we have In this week’s adventures with the Ooni, we have expanded to pepperoni. It’s quite good! @ooni.it #oonipizzaoven #homemadeisbest #pepperonipizza #pizzafriday #fridaynightsnacks
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in