One might think that Benjamin has passed that unspoken line beyond which there are no more Easter baskets. But he has not caved to such societal norms, and spent the afternoon creating one for his friend. We went to the thrift store, where he picked out a movie, and figurines, and a pink bunny. I was prepared to pay for it, but he pulled out his own cash earned from a cleaning job. We went home to assemble it, including chocolate and jelly beans, clementines and cupcake fabric from my stash. Then I handed him scissors to fetch daffodils from the garden. The finishing touch was a card written with his signature fancy script, which did not as it turns out include a signature. 

 

After delivering it I wondered what would most please him to find the next day in his own treasure hunt. 

 

"What do you want in your basket, Ben?"

 

I said this, knowing that the drawer with peanut butter cups and cookies is in plain sight, ready for children who arrive for sewing. 

 

"Surprise me." 

 

Which surprised me. It suggested to me that he believes I will do my best to take care of him.

 

Last week Benjamin accompanied me to the Maundy Thursday service. This is where we are offered the bread and wine of the Last Supper. Fortunately there was also grape juice as he has a self imposed rule about wine. This is a moment in which I can ask God for what I want. Prayer is the package for promises to try harder, and hope for blessings. 

 

When the women arrived at the empty tomb, they were surprised. Instead of death, they were given incredible hope from the angels. 

 

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen."

 

Even in the aftermath of great loss, Jesus does His best to take care of us.