Hoppy Easter! What a week it has been…and another holiday away from the family!
Having lost two friends within days was quite distracting. Three guys that I don’t ever associate with or know genuinely stopped me and asked if I was alright! I wasn’t outwardly upset but more dazed. Processing the sudden loss of these two people was challenging, and thankfully it was during Holy Week. The timing is better than none as a reminder that we are fragile and gifted one earthly life, but there is hope after death – the reason for the season of Easter!
I played piano for Easter Mass and was joined by a new cantor (aka lead singer). I started with Alleluia No. 1 (for those you who may know Catholic hymns) with a thunderous intro, which apparently caught many of the guys off guard. They were used to meek music that I have played since Ash Wednesday. This first Alleluia in song was pronounced and loud, as it should be for Easter. A decent number of guys showed up, and the priest gave a good homily.
To my surprise, we were given another amazing meal. They told us that we were not going to have anything special since today was not a federal holiday. However, they surprised us with sweet ham slices in a peppery mustard sauce served with green bean/corn casserole, cranberry sauce, delicious macaroni salad, soft butter rolls, and a small old-fashioned pecan pie. Most of the comments ranged from the best meal that we have been served thus far. I concur. The meal was fantastic and quite the surprise. I am very grateful to have such an amazing meal given the circumstances of the day.
The weather has been decent, a bit cooler, but I have been averaging about 2 hours of pickleball a day. I will be asking my sister for a few more rule clarifications, which she has been great about helping with a few others that I had. I guess they change pickleball rules from season to season.
On Thursday, I had my first mock tutoring lesson which was on Pythagorean theorem (a2 + b2 = c2 – those 2s are squares). I had a few props and learning tools, and the class was quite impressed. It honestly was not very fair since I have extensive experience with teaching this lesson (and this lesson was specifically assigned to me). Needless to say, I made an impact and the guys in the class have now been asking me to review their lesson plans.
I’m missing everyone, and very blessed to have so many loved ones support me through this journey. I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter filled with lots of love and memories! May you experience many little miracles this springtime!