Chapter 20: The Easter Bunny

Spring was in full bloom all around. After weeks and weeks of rain, the flowers were everywhere. Tulips, Daisies, and Roses. Vibrant colors were popping all over the place. Easter Sunday was always a big festive day for Sonya’s family. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and cousins would all come over and have a big lunch after church. Usually, the priest who did the Easter service would also come over for lunch and make an appearance.

So, today was no different than any other Easter Sunday. They had a huge spread out in the backyard. The backyard was about a half acre by itself. They had a volleyball net set up. Music playing for everybody to listen to or dance to if they want. A long table with a nice tablecloth on it. That table had just a huge spread of food for everyone to pick from as they wanted to. Tacos, burritos and nachos. With a small section for the white people who showed up, hot ham, and rolls. Five coolers were on the ground next to the table with every kind of drink that you could think of. A separate little table that had paper plates plastic utensils and napkins. The family was prepared and used to having large family gatherings.

Sonya made her way with her grandma, walking her to her chair amongst a sea of lawn chairs and other furniture set up around the yard. Max was lying down next to her grandpa. As Sonya called him, Poppa has a long history of giving Max extra food. So Max knew what he was doing by lying next to Poppa. Young cousins were running all over the place but Max was keeping a watchful eye on Poppa. Sure enough, as Sonya was carefully walking her grandma over to Poppa. Max was scarfing down half a burrito. “Poppa, you can’t keep feeding Max,” Sonya exclaimed to her grandfather. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Did you see me give him anything? ... No you did not.” Her grandmother sat in the chair next to her grandpa. Her grandmother quickly gave her grandfather a little swat of his hand that had fed Max. “Don’t give Max food.” Her grandma said to her husband. Poppa grabbed his hand as if he were hurt by the swat. They both looked at each other then and giggled like a couple of little kids. Sonya watched the exchange and smiled at both of her grandparents. “Okay, Grandma. I’ll get you some lunch. What do you want?” Sonya asked her grandma. “One of everything is fine, sweetie.” Her grandma replied. Sonya gave them both a big smile and turned and left to get some food.

Meanwhile, Father Ken showed up and was making his way through everyone. Talking to people as he was walking around. Tony, Sonya’s father was talking to him for a while about the Brewers and Bucks and everything in between. Tony was leading him around and introducing him to everyone that was there. Some of the various family members already knew him from past gatherings. Fr. Ken baptized Sonya so he was very familiar with a lot of the family already. Tony led him to Bob. Bob gets invited to these outdoor family gatherings, especially since his wife passed away five years prior. Tony and Maria have known Bob and Martha since they moved into this house fifteen years ago. Since Bob’s kids live far away, Tony and Maria like to try to involve Bob as much as possible. Bob, had an ice-cold Modelo and sipping on it. Tony brought Fr. Ken over and the three men were talking about cars. Bob has an old 1960 Lincoln Continental in his garage. 68’ Corvette, a 70 Baracuda. Tony himself had a 71 Chevy Nova that he had to sell. Fr. Ken talked about when he was younger he too had a nice muscle car, a 1972 Dodge Challenger brand new. The three men got deep into a conversation about all things cars when Maria called Tony over to help with something. Tony left Fr. Ken and Bob to go help his wife. As he walked past the table with all the food he grabbed a nacho chip really quick and gave Sonya a big smile. “Hey, don’t eat all the food little one.” He told Sonya. “It’s for grandma,” Sonya exclaimed. “Uh huh!! Sure it is, squirt.” Her dad gave her some serious side-eye. Sonya just shook her head at her dad as she filled the plate with food.