AN EASTER BLESSING

Easter Morning over Lake Travis

Before I got out of bed Sunday morning, my daughter sent me a text with these photos, taken from her deck. What an inspiration,  so badly needed today - the day of resurrection celebrated by Christians the world over. The rainbow is a symbol of hope and healing in many cultures.

As our family is closely following shelter-in-place guidelines, we wished each other a Happy Easter via texts and emails. I watched a church service on TV. It happened to be a "rerun", but it was all about surviving difficult challenges in life. A good topic for now. As I was busy with church, then more texts and emails, I missed someone sneaking onto my porch. A little later I saw through the blinds a blue cup. I darted out quickly (as I was still in my pajamas) and retrieved the object. I was surprised to see it was filled with candy and a small book. I washed my hands carefully after taking the book out. There was no name attached or written on the book to indicate my secret admirer.

I spent some time contacting all of my children to see if they had left it...no. I asked one of my neighbors if she left it...no. All efforts exhausted, I have come to the conclusion that it was left by a child.

The top two candies are Ring Pops - something a child might receive in his or her Easter basket.  A mama must have assisted by putting

in the small book. It happens to be an excerpt of a book on near-death experiences (NDEs) by NYT best-selling author John Burke, from his book Imagine Heaven. Don't you just love the synchronicities of life? A book on people who have experienced death and come back, given to me on "resurrection" Sunday. John also happens to be a minister here in Austin.

Maybe the gift is from my new neighbors next door who have two little  boys ages 4-years and 7-years. Or the two little girls down the block who last fall sold me candy to help their school. I may not find out until we are freed from the fear of COVID-19, as I have no way of contacting them. At any rate, I thank them very much for sharing their Easter goodies with me.

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Speaking of the dreadful Coronavirus spreading around the globe, we are blessed with so many people pitching in to help any way they can. Medical professionals, grocers and the myriad of people getting the food to our tables - farmers, truckers, cashiers, delivery people - all putting their own lives at risk. My daughter-in-law Amy and my youngest granddaughter Kelly have been staying busy making face masks for the following group:

I am so proud of both of them for thinking of others in this difficult
time we are experiencing. These will be good memories of "paying it forward" for young Kelly years from now. She will always remember being a "Covid Ranger".

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A couple of years ago I discovered a distant relative on my father's Moragne side of the family. She lives here in Austin, and although we haven't met in person yet, we have shared a bit of family history. She sent me the following:

"My dad isn't too happy with his current cognitive decline, but at 98 - and turning 99 in June - I think he's doing pretty well! He dictated this to me so I could set it up on the page well and send it out to our immediate family. Enjoy!

Moragné History Alert

"On July 30, 1763, Pierre Moragné of St. Avit de Tizac in the Montravel area near St. Foy on the Dordogne River traveled in the middle of the night to Royan on the coast of France with approximately 200 fellow Huguenots. They caught a ship to England where they stayed until they could get passage across the Atlantic to the Americas. They arrived on the rising tide in Charleston, SC on April 14, 1764.

"So, this coming Tuesday, April 14th will be the 256th anniversary of the arrival of the first Moragné in the New World.

"I suggest we all savor a decent French wine at some time on that date. That area of the Dordogne is primarily a red wine appellation, but I feel sure the old Huguenot would not be offended if you prefer a white, rosé, or champagne."

Signed,

"Candidate Presumptive for Eldest New World Moragné"

AKA John Hutchins Moragne

I think he is doing very well, indeed!

To which my oldest child, Craig, responded:

"I would actually prefer a nice dry Beaujolais if I was forced to drink wine. I'll raise my tea glass, nevertheless."

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(Capt. CSA) Isaac Pierre Moragne - Father of John William Moragne (My Great-Great-Grandfather)

It is pleasing to me to note that he was "..a Democrat..and quite a politician (who) took an active part in everything connected with his state and locality. ..he went twice to the (Alabama) Legislature."..."Moragnes in America".. Howard and Quinn

His political nature has passed down to more than one of my children and grandchildren!

Cheers!

Marilyn