Never mind Waldo...Where's Alex?? Jews Celebrating Easter

Well, not exactly celebrating but celebrating....let me explain.

My son Alex is studying in Italy this semester and treating us to his wonderful Blog about his experience (www.bondaq.blogspot.com) a very worthwhile read if you want to see how this Jewish kid from Baltimore describes his experience in Viterbo Italy which is just under an hour Northwest of Rome (and about 60 miles from the earthquake last week that he slept through but that's another story).

His missed his weekly webchat today because he other plans. After spending Passover Seder's last week with one of the well know Rabbi's of one of the largest synagogues in Rome, he decided to head to

St. Peters Square.

We got his email in the wee hours this morning explaining to us (his Jewish Parents) how excited he was to be attending Easter Mass at St. Peters Basilica in front of the Pope. He has no idea how excited WE were and how proud we are of him. He always seems to manage to make the most of his experiences and finds a way to be in just the right places to enjoy the opportunities of the moments presented to him.

There is a lot to learn about that.

When your kids do things like this on their own, you do feel good about having done your job as a parent. My wife and I are Blessed to have good kids. My oldest son Mark took it upon himself to be in Washington DC among the thousands of people who turned out to walk past President Reagan's casket and show his respect. Far from a political junkie, Mark showed more about who he was as a 20 year old to take it upon himself to be there and be in that moment.

My 15 year old daughter Frankie is the same way, in her own way. She knows to be there in those moments in life that truly count and are an opportunity to be counted.

Truly a time for Celebration

I grew up a Roman Catholic and converted to Judaism a few years ago at the time of my daughter's Bat Mitzvah. We did it in Israel as a family. I was a wonderful and truly spiritual experience. The support of my family and friends was overwhelming at times.

During this time of challenge and such great uncertaintly, it is helpful to be reminded of the story of Passover and of Easter. As surely as we can join together as a family, supporting eachother unconditionally, we know that there is goodness all around us that will guide us through these challenging times and help us overcome whatever we must. A new season is upon us.

My children remind me of who I am and what I have been able to accomplish by being the kind of people they are, by being the kind of people I would want them to be and most importantly by being the kind of people I want to be...kind, thoughtful, smart and unafraid of life's challenges. Unafraid to be there for those special moments life offers because of their deep faith in G_d and who they are.

Have  Blessed Easter and Passover to all!