The presence of children at the funeral of a grandparent is always bittersweet. Such an event requires us to hold the sadness of death and the joy of new life within the same time period, sometimes literally within our arms all at once. One of the powerful symbols of the season is the chavetz or unleavened bread of the seder. Its origins are in the Hebrews having to leave quickly, having no time to let the bread rise. But it also has the meaning of leaving behind, letting go of that which is stale, which has been sitting around too long.
Life moves on.
Resurrection requires dying, letting go. But it also requires the risk of reaching out for new life, grabbing your loved ones and striking out for freedom, with no assurance of what lies ahead. Those who experienced the visions of Jesus after his death Knew such tension. Nature is flinging color on her gray canvas. The trees are singing.