by Yvonne DiVita

It's Easter, today. I lost track of the time this week and did not realize this weekend was Easter until someone mentioned having "friday" off from work. "Oh, why?" I asked, innocently enough.

"It's Good Friday," they said, a bit surprised I had to ask, I think.

"Ah." The light went on in my head.

Today, my daughter shared a wonderful picture of the baby (who is a year and a half now), in her Easter dress. Too adorable. Everyone on Facebook is sharing pet pictures with rabbit ears. Too funny. I see Easter egg hunts on the news, and there is an Easter movie-marathon on TNT, I think.

Easter isn't what it used to be, for me. It's more of a celebration of spring, rather than a celebration of religion. I admire the religious mentions and I have a fondness for the old days, when the kids and I dressed up and went to church, and then there was a big dinner at my in-laws. 

Much like other holidays, Easter is about family. It's about togetherness. It's about celebrating the human spirit, as well as the holy spirit. 

The sun shines on Easter, no matter what the weather has been like all week, leading up to the holiday. Even if it's only for a moment, the sun shines. Even if it's only in our hearts, the sun shines.

Happy Easter, everyone. May the day be full of family, fun, festivities, and freedom.