Day 110 ~ Fear Not

Day 110 ~ Fear Not

Apr 20, 2014     

My first: I attended mass on Easter Sunday with my mother.

The last time I attended mass on Easter Sunday with my mom was when I was a kid and my dad and three brothers were along. My little sister, who is 16 years younger than I, was probably there too in her prettiest little Easter dress.

I woke up in plenty of time to make it to 8:00 mass, but really had no prior intention of going. My jumbled morning thoughts slowly fell into place like a game of Tetris and it was clear to me what I would be doing after my coffee. I got ready in my usual rushed fashion…is there any other way? I raced over to my mom’s house which is 5 minutes or less from mine. She was backing out of her garage as I got out of my car and stood by her window. I said “I’m going with you” and I saw the immediate delight on her face.

The mass was like masses generally are, but the church was more crowded than usual on this Easter Sunday. The sermon was about the fears that we all have, but the priest pointed out to us that Easter is our reminder to “fear not for I (Jesus) am with you”. I nudged my mom at the end of the homily because she should be heeding this advice. She whispered that all mothers fear. I said “not this one” pointing to myself.  Never mind...it's a long story...don't want to go there.

The lineup to receive communion seemed unending, but it was nice seeing so many old familiar faces. I received the host and then went to sip the wine which I never do, but I thought I would go for the whole works. As I grabbed the chalice, I remembered my “no alcohol” resolution for 2014. Uh-oh. I couldn't beat myself up about it too horribly because, after all, it was a symbol of Christ’s blood.

At the end of the service, Mom and I walked to the parking lot to find our respective cars. She was heading to Hardee’s to meet her friends and I was heading to my son’s house to paint for the rest of the day. Of course, I had to take a “selfie” to commemorate our mass and our moment.