Every morning the temperature drops right after the Sun rises. Scientists call this effect radiation cooling, but I think it’s the daily struggle between Light and Darkness where Darkness tries one last grasp to seize the day. This struggle happens every morning except on Easter Sunday when the temperature rises with the Sun to push out Darkness, radiating clear warmth to us all. Easter reminds us, in spite of our uncertainties, that Light has dominion over Darkness and Faith will bring our long journey of doubt to an end.
In our private moments we often wonder about our troubles and say to ourselves, “will this ever end?” No one ever answers you directly, so you assume no one is listening. When I was at Notre Dame I would walk past The Grotto late at night in the Winter and see fellow students covered in snow praying in the candlelight, never knowing for sure what was on their plates. I always assumed it was grades and thought that it wouldn’t matter how hard you prayed, nothing was changing the test result from earlier in the day. But twenty years later on a MBA recruiting trip I ended up at The Grotto myself around 2:00 AM in the Winter covered in snow. I had Stage 4 Lymphoma at the time which carried a very low probability of me turning the corner. I didn’t pray for myself that morning, but instead asked that Diane and the boys be kept in the Light on whatever path life took them.
Spring is the time when our hidden paths covered in Winter materialize along with new horizons we couldn’t see before. The following April I finally ended 6 months of chemo coupled with serious doubts the treatment had any positive effect or just made things worse. On Monday of Holy Week I had a PET scan and on Good Friday a follow up visit with my oncologist, Mark Moskowitz. Without saying much he read the PET report to himself for about two minutes which seemed like two days, swiveled around in his chair and announced, “All your tumors are gone; they melted away.”
It’s been nearly twenty years again since that day, but I remember that particular Easter with great fondness. Our house celebrated with joy the Good News that Spring, like we do every Easter and plan on doing for many Easters to come. Our family’s message at Easter is that no matter the darkness pervading our world with its data, science, and disenchantment; living is about seeking the Light and enjoying it’s warmth that we can’t see, but clearly feel. Peace.
Thanks for that post Pete. That is a wonderful message.
Lisa, have a wonderful Easter! Pete
I truly enjoy seeing your posts pop up to read Pete! You have been through so much but inspire others with your down to earth perspective of things, ever optimistic attitude and gives us all hope to think we can overcome what’s put in front of us! Happy Easter!
Terry, nice to hear from you, I appreciate your comments on the blog. Have a great Easter in the ADK if you’re there. Pete
Great post! I especially loved these sentences “Easter reminds us, in spite of our uncertainties, that Light has dominion over Darkness and Faith will bring our long journey of doubt to an end.” and “.. living is about seeking the Light and enjoying it’s warmth that we can’t see, but clearly feel.” and of course “All your tumors are gone; they melted away.” Your blog is a true inspiration and I always look forward to reading it.
Happy Easter to the Lawson Family from the Caton Family
Jane, always nice to hear from you! My best to you and the Caton clan. Pete
Happy Easter to you and Diane and family. You bring much pleasure to many with you writings – keep up the good work!
Carol, I hope Easter in Ti will be nice for you. Growing up in Ti for me Easter was when the sun officially came out. Pete
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
~ Emily Dickinson
I don’t know why I wear mascara on Wednesdays…but I like doing things that don’t make sense sometimes…so maybe it’s fitting. When I read your blogs…I imagine being in a huge arena with thousands of people…silently waiting to hear what you are going to say. This is beautifully written…and you light up the world. Happy Easter Mr. Pete. 🐣💕🙏🏻
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Elisa, I hope your students here Emily Dickinson and others from you on a regular basis. They’ll appreciate it later in life. Have a nice Easter! Pete
Your words and journey are always an inspiration to me. God Bless you Pete. Happy Easter. See you soon!!
Maureen, have a great Easter. Hopefully Gary won’t burn dinner too badly. Pete
Beautiful message! Happy Easter and stay well!🍀❤️🐣🐇 I would love to see the Grotto as I’ve heard wonderful things!
Fran, Diane says all prayers come true at The Grotto, so it’s worth visiting. Have a great Easter! Pete
Happy Easter Pete,❤️ You Remain an Inspiration🍻
Mickey, have a nice Easter, hopefully your weather is nice enough to hit the links. Pete
A much needed reminder that in the darkest moments the light will shine.
Happy Easter. Go Irish.
Jim
Jim, always plenty of Light at The Grotto. Have a nice Easter. Pete
You are an inspiration to our family and we love you so much! Happy Easter Pete!!!
David, thanks for reading and sharing. I hope you guys had a great Easter! Pete
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Pete,
Truly enjoyed reading the Easter message. Look forward to catching up on the blog. Here’s to enjoying another Easter with friends and Family!
Rob, thanks for reading and enjoying. Please share it with friends and family who may need a lift for any reason. Best, Pete
Pete, Its obvious that God has a plan for you. I share your journey with many of my clients to give them hope. You continue to show us all that through faith all things are possible! Happy Easter from our family to yours.
Teri, as always, thanks for reading and commenting. You guys have been with us on our journey for many years now, so we look forward to many many. Pete
Well said Pete! Prayers for continued good health. Happy Easter to you, Diane and the boys. Slainte!!!
Pat, thanks for reading and sharing. I hope you guys have a nice Easter in NY. Pete
Hey Pete. Your message is very inspirational to us all. You have been through so much and yet you have such a great spirit. I know that your foundation is your faith and your life centers around Matthew 19:26. “….with God all things are possible.” You and Diane and your family have a happy Easter!!!
Mark, thanks for reading and commenting – it helps spread good news everywhere. I hope, you, Sandy, and your family have a great Easter! Pete
Thank you for such a wonderful blog! We truly enjoy and appreciate your sense of humor which we can always use! Most of all your bright thoughtfulness about family, what really counts, really matters . Thanks for helping us to stop and smell the tulips 🌷 🌷 Happy Easter to the Lawson family! 🥚🐇🐣☘️
Fran, I hope you, Chris, and the peeps have a great Easter! Peet (Pete)
The tulips are beautiful, as is your inspiration, message, and sharing. My husband is a Double Domer who loved his visits to the Grotto. Happy Easter; I’m a friend of your cousin Peggy.
Kate, thank you for reading and commenting. Have a wonderful Easter. Go Irish! Pete
“The deep roots never doubt Spring will come” Wishing you all the blessings Easter brings, and may the healing light of the heavens shine bright upon you, and your family this Easter season.
Beautiful blog!❤️
Blessed Easter Pete to you, Diane, and family 💜
darkness is like a bully. It seems impenetrable until it’s confronted with one, small, slender candle.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Needed this reminder today, Pete. Thank you.
Rob, gentle reminders are always the best. Have a great Easter! Pete
Love your outlook with all you have been through. Happy Easter!!
Coach, thanks for reading; I am glad you enjoy it. I also appreciate all of the direction and mentoring you gave me in High School as both a teacher and a coach. I’ve passed many of those lessons on to others, except bear crawls up and down hills. Have a great Easter! Pete