In sixth grade, our class raised baby chicks in my homeroom. My local school district set up a seminar that explained how chicks need to be taken care of, kept warm, and ultimately hatch into strong little creatures that can fend for themselves. My Dad came up with the nickname, “Chick” for me when I was a baby. He always said that I was a quiet and adorable little thing, and the name stuck for my entire childhood. Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays, not only for the pastel colors and the large array of candy but also because it represents love and happiness, especially when I was younger.
Obviously, my inner child needs healing, but I like to think about how beautiful and peaceful spring days were. The blue birds would chirp and the sun would beat down on cold skin from hibernation after the freezing winter temperatures. The prettiest flowers would pop up and my gram would bring out these block-shaped decorations that spelled out “SPRING.” More importantly, I got to spend the chick’s holiday with my siblings. Even though the ties between us all are broken, I’d like to think that we were happy and made the other family around us happy too. Missing my family has always been a struggle of mine, but every spring I find a bit more peace and love which is so comforting. Sometimes all you need is yourself.
When I was 10, I went to my Nana’s house for Easter with my three brothers and my dad. My Nana was my grandmother on my Dad’s side of the family. I didn’t see that side of my family often, but it was one of the few memories I had with her. I remember we ate Easter dinner at our own house with the other side of my family, but my dad made sure we all ate some of the food my Nana cooked for us. All of my aunts and uncles were there, and I remember at the end of the day my Nana placed a sweet, ticklish kiss on my cheek.
When my Nana passed away, I found out from my cousin's Instagram post. None of my family ever reached out to me to let me know how sick she was. It was a really sad time in my life, and I never had enough time to get to know my Nana. I hope she is resting peacefully somewhere cooking all her famous dishes and snuggling with her dog, Louie. I hope you’re enjoying every moment up there in Heaven, Nana.
I’d like to think that when I was younger, my family and I were happy. Deep down somewhere inside of me, I know that we had love and peace during family celebrations. Today, I cannot express how much gratitude I have for the family and friends I have now. My grandparents, my Mom, my cuzys, (Isa and Cito), my aunt, and of course my bestest friend who is like my sister, Jill. I will be spending my easter celebration with all of them, in which words cannot express my excitement. Easter is a beautiful welcome to spring, but only if you’re with people that make it special.
Wishing you the most beautiful easter celebration.
Latte Love,
Jill
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Happy Easter
You will always have my love.
Pap