Always the perpetual kid, Bryan was excited to act as surrogate Easter Bunny this Sunday. His nephew, Finley, was at the age where interaction was more “fun” than when he was younger.

On Holy Saturday, Bryan came to our house with great anticipation. He helped dye the hard-boiled eggs to be used as place-cards on the Easter dining table. We got the plastic eggs filled with yummy candy and snacks ready to be hidden for Finn. Egg nest macaroons were prepped for delivery to the Easter Vigil service that evening along with our bells for ringing-in the Resurrection.

On Easter Day, Bryan rushed downstairs as always to see if the “Bunny” had remembered HIM as he has for forty-three years in a row. In his basket he found the usual candy, a certificate to fly with his father on World War II “Diamond Lil” airplane in June and seasons 1-3 of The Chosen series, which he loved. He quickly packaged his booty up and took it to his bedroom.

After Easter worship, Bryan made sure he snagged a lovely garland of flowers from the candleholders in church and presented to me for use as our centerpiece on the dining room table. We feasted on delicious goodies following church and the exquisite homemade banana and coconut cakes created by friend and director of music/organist, Tim. Tim has known Bryan since birth and they share a special friendship.

Once home, we changed our clothes and headed outside for BunnyBryan to do his work. As we moved through the back flower garden and other flower beds throughout our yard, Bryan fretted like an old mother hen. “We must be sure that Finn doesn’t fall into the pond”. “Is there anything sharp he can hurt himself on?” “What if he trips and falls over a stick?” His care and concern were showing for the first time – a wonderful “thinking of someone ahead of himself” maturity that I had never seen before.

When the time finally came for the Easter egg hunt to begin, Bryan looked on as Finn traipsed throughout the yard on his quest for the fourteen eggs, hidden in plain sight. I think it gave him a good feeling to have given so much pleasure to his two-year-old nephew.

As the day wound down, Bryan and Finn enjoyed a giggling game of “chase” around the kitchen island. How lovely to see a relationship bud like a spring flower! Bryan’s dream of becoming a father may never be realized, but caring for Finn and, in the future, nephew Dylan (four-months old) will suffice quite nicely!