AKA #lentphotoaday April 18th, prompt word is “REMEMBER”
Luke 24:6-7: “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee.” This passage reminds the disciples that Jesus is not dead but has risen, echoing the message of his resurrection.
The above picture is from Easter in Florida, 2017. I found this picture and I was the first time in years, I sat down to look at all the images and really REMEMBERed this awesome vacation. We went to a beautiful Easter service at my parent’s church at First Presbyterian in Naples. This was the last trip we took to Florida as a family. The service was gorgeous. There was a packed house and stunning flowers everywhere. The room was packed with Lily Pulitzer, Hermes, Vineyard Vines, massive waves of seersucker and loads of Khaki. Those wealthy Presbys really know how to put on a fancy Easter.
My parent’s last home they lived in there was at the Ritz compound and the club they belonged to was exquisite. They lived in a few places over the years in Naples and we were fortunate to be able to bring the kids a handful of times. We didn’t have much money to travel but my dad was always generous, making our trips over the years Christmas presents for the family. This last trip was extra. We lived liked kings that vacation. I remember work was really crazy for Mike and it was good that he was able to get away and relax. Charlie was really struggling with pre-transition anxiety and the ocean air did us all good. We felt vey blessed to have this time to be together as a family and with my dad and stepmom.
Sometime this above beach day, I got a little weird bug bite on my stomach in the water. Four days later, I was clinging to life with six IV’s in me, almost dying of an aggressive staph infection. I would spent the next five weeks with a wound vac in my stomach. Egads! My health has been erratic ever since. Who knew that day, after such beach perfection, chaos would ensue and it would also be our last in Florida together with my dad.
My kids have always eyerolled at all the pictures I take. But honestly, thank God I did. Being able to look back and REMEMBER has been one of the great pleasures in my life. In the hustle and bustle of life’s grind, it’s essential to remember that we have had a really great, blessed life together as a family.
Easter is always a time for family, but it is the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ that gathers us all together. We are grateful for his sacrifice, while offering hope for eternal life.
Love you.
HEATHERLAND 