Feeling the Sunshine

After a restful sleep on Friday night, Pop was feeling good on Saturday morning. Every year Mom's side of the family (the Yungingers) gets together over Easter at a place called Charter Hall along the Chesapeake Bay. So, with family all being gathered together, Pop wanted to go down for the day to visit with everyone (okay, okay...maybe Mom helped him see that it would be fun...you know how he loves big groups and all :). He had a great time, and felt good enough for a fairly long walk in the sunshine. The cool breeze blowing off of the bay was a welcome scent. He sat with a grin on his face as he watched nieces and nephews playing frisbee in the yard. It was just the get-away that he needed. On the car-ride home, that afternoon, Pop caught up on the rest that he needed. Although the events may have seemed leisurely, physical activity and overall physical exertion tend to drain his energy (he'd never admit to it though). The rest in the car gave him good energy to watch the NCAA tournament that night. His snoring during the Duke vs. W. Virginia game made for interesting commentary.
Easter morning Pop was up bright and early to watch the sunrise. His bed is positioned in front of a large window on the first floor where he can see the sun come up. When he wakes at night, he also has a good view of the moon, which he frequently watches at it makes its way across the sky. Despite having some pain during the night, he very much wanted to get to church for the Sunday service. He and the family made it there and sat in the back row. As the congregation stood and sang songs of Easter morning, of salvation and hope, of the empty tomb, tears welled up and streamed from the corner of Pop's eyes. It's these moments that move us. When we are reminded of the price that was payed for us, and the gift that has been given, how can we keep from singing, crying, laughing, loving, and caring? The fellowship with people at church was a boost for Pop. We came home to a beautiful meal that Mom made, and enjoyed the company of Grandpa and Grandma Keefer along with Aunt Ann. After lunch, Grandma filled Pop in on all the going-ons of the past month, and saw to it that he was being well taken care of. Once the events of the day came to a close, Pop and Mom talked quietly in the living room (Dad's new bedroom), and she read him some cards and this blog for the first time. He's never said anything, but I can see in his eyes that he is still trying to decide what he thinks of this whole "blog thing" :). Well, a huge thanks goes out from the Keefer family for all the love and support that we have felt over this Easter season. May you all have a blessed day, and may we remember the incredible joy that today is all about!