I was standing over the stove about three weeks ago when I told her: "We'll be here the day before Easter. I'm happy to make the bunny cakes if you'll tell me what to do." Jim fussed me for it, later, but I explained: I'd heard her say something about maybe paying someone to make the cakes and didn't want her to do that.
To be honest, I couldn't imagine she'd be able to make those bunny cakes, but she was so determined that she sure enough made a trip to the Dollar Tree--oxygen tank and all--for the cake decorations. It was the first time in weeks that she'd left her trailer for something other than a doctor's appointment. "I think I'll go to church, Sunday," she told Jim over the phone. "If I can make it to the Dollar Tree, I can make it to church." And she did.
By the time we arrived just before Easter, she'd not only baked the bunny cakes and perched them side-by-side atop the china cabinet, but she'd also made a whole new plan for the weekend: we were going to eat Easter dinner Saturday evening and go to church--all eleven of us, just like last year--Sunday morning.
Saturday went off according to the new plan. Not so much Sunday, but it was okay; my brother made the hour-plus drive to read scripture, and afterwards, Jim's brother got out his guitar. By the time my parents arrived to watch the little kids hunt eggs, we'd been singing for hours. Jim's mom, too, and I'm tempted to wonder how she more than held her own with an advanced condition of the lung, but I remember and profess: we are people of faith, people who believe in the power of God within.
This, then, becomes part of my testimony: all things are possible with Him, including bunny cakes and hymns.
**linking, also, with Jen's SDG community at Finding Heaven
What a wonderful Easter! I remember the big family get togethers, going to church together, and the egg hunts.
ReplyDeleteThose bunny cakes are awesome! My hat's off to Mamaw! She is mega-talented!
Peace <3
Jay
It probably did her heart good. I remember spending Easter Sunday 7 yrs ago with my whole local family in a hospital room with my grandparents. His final illness was in the diagnostic stage then, but he didn't live to see May. I'm glad we spent Easter morning driving back early from central Texas to see him. Such Easters are hard, but they quicken us to the promise of our coming resurrection with new bodies too, at least for me. I'm sorry for the heartache and thankful you got great pictures of this love gift. Your children will value them and the story later on. Love to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet mom- in- law. Your Easter sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's amazing how the Lord will give us the strength where it most counts. Memories forever!
ReplyDeleteYes! A phone date this week? I'm in!
pretty nice blog, following :)
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't sum up a fully orbed life, then I don't know what does. This is a lovely story, Brandee. And those cakes are gorgeous! Your MIL is a remarkable lady. And so are you.
ReplyDeleteBrandee,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be here again! How poignant to hear about your special time with your family and mamaw for Easter. I could picture her making her way, oxygen tank and all, to the Dollar Store, to church, and fiddling in the kitchen to make those bunny cakes her grandkids wanted. Sweet of her. Imagining the singing, guitar times, etc.
Nice to talk with you again,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
This is a such a beautiful post on so many levels. It just makes me realize how we can life if we choose to...
ReplyDeleteThose are the cutest bunny cakes. My mother-in-law has a tradition of making the bunny cakes too, but they aren't near that fancy (don't tell her I said that). But the kids love them anyway. And I do too :)
ReplyDelete