"New Life"

Tomorrow my family will celebrate Easter.  A time for "New Life".  6 years ago on the Eve before Easter, my son was canoeing on the Charles River when his canoe tipped over.  It was dark by the time he and his friends were canoeing home, and he ended up somehow swimming under the light of the moon, to the edge of the Charles and finding his way to an assisted living residence..  At the residence, he asked to use the phone, and called us for a ride home.

The other interesting thing about that time, was that two weeks prior to this Easter, the people at my grandmothers nursing home told us to prepare for her passing. But my Nana rallied, and that Easter we were able to go to Mass with her.

By the grace of God, my son was a strong swimmer and made it safely to the land.  Also by the grace of God my family was able to spend one more Easter with my Nana.  The miracle of Easter and New Life, was that my son did not drown, that Easter eve, and we were given extra time with my grandmother.

Over two weeks later, after that Easter, my Nana did pass away. I think things happened that Easter for a reason.  In retrospect, I see that these incidents were a reminder to cherish our life, and to be grateful for the time we get to spend with our loved ones.  Everyday is a gift, a gift of "New Life" one we should never take for granted.