Monday 25 April 2011

Celebrating Easter 2011 on Planet Baby

Ah, Lovelies! My heart is so heavy as I write this tonight. Easter 2011 has been a time of bittersweet and contrasting moments on Planet Baby. My darling Dad’s health seems to be declining by the day and we really don’t know what lies ahead. The clear-headed, rational lawyer in me knows that ‘Time is of the essence’. My heart is struggling with that reality. And then, in the midst of this maelstrom of emotions, Easter appears, to provide a focus for more ever-precious family time. I am struggling to put words to my thoughts which are teeming, crowding out my brain. Here are some photos taken over the past few days which encapsulate the topsy-turvy nature of life on Planet Baby at the moment.

Good Friday

Dad went home for the day to share the lunch of traditional fish and chips with Mum, us and the pixies. Here’s my gorgeous Dad with me, still plucking up a smile for the camera.
Here are the pixies with their fish fingers and chips (I long for the day when they actually eat *real* fish).
Easter Day

There was great excitement on Planet Baby as it was clear a Certain Bunny had been visiting overnight. There were signs aplenty of what he’d been up to. Inside the house…
On the verandah…
Even down the street, replete with chewed carrots.
Ah, ha! More signs of life discovered by Joshie. Proof aplenty of his guest appearance.
There was time for a little cuddle with their homemade regalia.
And then the neighbours arrived. The Great Easter Egg Hunt was on! There was lots of running, baskets-in-arm.
Sam, meanwhile, took it at his own pace, collecting eggs assiduously.
All to be stashed away in his little blue basket. Quickly – hence the blurry action shot!
Meanwhile, Mr PB was whipping up a storm in the kitchen for breakfast with our neighbours. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, hollandaise sauce – all there. Some little creations, which Mr PB and the pixies had assembled earlier, graced the table.
As well as this cute little chap.
All served on the best crockery and replete with garden flowers. Now, I would never have thought to pick, let alone, style this lavender before blogging – look what you’ve done to me! Mind you, it was snapped in a hurry – hence the blur – time was a-ticking and church was a-beckoning.
Mr PB served up breakfast to our guests at 9.40 am. And we were meant to be at church at 10 am! In my haste, I forgot to take any photos of the scrumptious food. Hasty adieus were bid, the chariot loaded up and we high-tailed it to St David’s Cathedral, ending up only 5 minutes late. My sister and I sat with Mum. Regrettably, Dad wasn’t well enough to attend – for about the first time in his life. Mr PB and my brother-in-law took the pixies and their cousin off to ‘Messy church’ so we could experience the service together. Just us three girls.

As I gazed up at the glorious, hand-carved Rood Screen, tears started tumbling down my face.
Whilst the Easter message was one of hope, I couldn’t feel it. I just gazed upwards at the stained glass windows, my eyes glazing over.
Finally, we stumbled out, blinking, into the sunlight. We then all visited Dad in hospital. That lifted his spirits. Immensely.

Then we ducked back home, to confront the mammoth mess Mr PB had left in his wake. I hurriedly whipped up a pavlova with raspberries, especially for Dad, as he had requested. Yep, using my usual recipe.
We then enjoyed an hour or so at my parents’ house with my sister, my brother-in-law, my nephew and my parents. Yes, my darling Dad had a ‘leave pass’ out of the hospital for a couple of hours to spend with us. Then, as witching hour descended, we headed home, leaving Mum to return Dad to hospital.

It had been a long Easter Day. So action-packed and joyous yet heart-breakingly sad. The pixies fell asleep quickly. But I couldn’t. Instead, I created something which I’ll share with you tomorrow. It lifted my spirits. For a while.
Photobucket
PS Sunday Splendour will return next week. Events overtook me this time.

21 comments:

  1. Oh Jane, I feel for you, I know that feeling and am sending lots of prayers for your Dad your way. It is a lovely photo of you both :)

    So nice to see the Easter Bunny made it all the way to Tasmania...sweet photos of your lovelies on the day.

    Thinking of you...

    Jeanne xxxx

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  2. So sorry to see what you wrote about your dad. I hope that the days that lay ahead of you aren't stressful and you can enjoy the time with your dad. Best wishes.

    Your Easter looked like so much fun. The bunny footprints are cute.

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  3. Im so sorry to hear about your dad Jane~That must be very tough to deal with~
    I hope you had a wonderful Easter~
    Your kiddos look darling!;)
    Hugs,Rachel

    French Farmhouse 425

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  4. I just wrote you an quick email only to find your post now. I can imagine your feelings going all the way. Hold on...

    x Iris

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  5. It sounds like you have wonderful support Jane. Be strong. You are just finding your way down your path again. Thoughts are with you...

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  6. Jane, what a beautiful photo of you and your Dad. Sending warm wishes, and strength.
    Despite your heavy heart, it looks like you've created wonderful Easter memories for your family. (How I love pavlova).
    Thinking of you.

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  7. I am afraid I am in the same boat as you and it totally sucks. Xxx

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  8. Oh Jane. Your post made me cry. I am a nurse and I had the privilege of helping one of my patients get showered and dressed early yesterday so his wife could bring him out for a few hours on Anzac day. Watching people get ready for a couple of hours with their families makes me appreciate my health so much. My Dad is in a similar position to yours but with a slower time frame so reading your thoughts chokes me up. I feel I'm watching my fate fast forward in your words.
    Thinking of you and wishing there was something magic to say to make you feel better. All I can offer is to say a special prayer for you and your family as I pray for mine...

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  9. That picture with you dad is so lovely! Enjoy every moment you have, and make as many happy memories as you can. He would have loved seeing the children so excited! X

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  10. Just wanted to send you a huge hug Jane, as it sounds like you need it.
    Such an emotional time for you.
    Frame that pic of you and your Dad, it is a special memory for you, for always.
    I love all the special little Easter moments with the kids.
    Be kind to yourself and I may you get lots more special moments with your dear Dad. xx

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  11. Jane, despite the wonderful pavlova, bunny feet (how inventive!) and those incredible windows at St Davids I find it difficult to get past the shot of you with your Dad. I can really see the emotion in it. Again, I just don't know what to say other than I'm thinking of you. Hugs x

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  12. Jane..what wonderful memories you have created for your little pixies...and for your dad..despite the uncertainty..you are making every moment count..and that is what is most important. Sending big hugs your way sweety x

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  13. Oh Sweetheart this post has left me with such a torrid time of mixed emotions. I admire the way that you can juggle the unfettered joy of the children experiencing the magic of Easter with connecting with your family & neighbours whilst managing the worry around your darling Dad.

    That you have been able to share it all so openly with such honesty and warmth is a hallmark of your writing and a credit to the wonderful person I've come to know & care about.

    Biggest of hugs and a little sprite of sunshine from my home to yours,

    xx Felicity

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  14. Big hugs xx. Something to cheer you up


    I just love your blog and have just awarded you with the 'The Versatile Blogger' award. Check out my latest blog entry for the details http://abuddhafuljourney.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-award-goes-to.html

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  15. Oh Jane, reading your post made my heart break and sing in the one beat. I am terribly sorry you are going through such pain right now. That is a lovely photo of you and your Dad, just beautiful.
    The easter egg hunt looked fabulous... how wonderful it is to watch the delight and joy on our children's faces, seriously worth all the hard work they create.
    Your photos are a treat, loving the lavender... and the pav, oh my!
    Sending positive vibes your way :o)

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  16. Jane, dear. Oh Jane. You have to open yourself up to the hope that is there, really, truly there. I know that I've never really found it in a church (although those windows are stunning stuff) but I can see it in your Dad's eyes in that lovely photo of the two of you. x

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  17. Oh, love to your father. He is very handsome. And obviously loved!

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  18. Oh Jane, thinking of you at this family event time of year, so difficult & sad when a family member is not well. What a beautiful picture you painted of your mum with her daughters at Easter in church, you'll be such wonderful strength to your mother. Wishing you well, love Posie

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  19. Jane, I just don't know what to say, but I want to let you know that I'm thinking about you and wishing you strength.
    x

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  20. Thanks for your gorgeous and empathetic comments, you lovely souls. You have really lifted my spirits. I appreciate it immensely. J x

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, you gorgeous soul. You've just made my day! J x

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