I always remember Easter as being a wonderful time of year. The colors of spring and the disappearance of snow (thankfully), the excitement of egg hunts and wearing new clothes for church on Sunday — it always was a special time in our house.  
My sister and I would wake up early Easter morning in anticipation of finding our baskets full of chocolate bunny rabbits and painted eggs. I never was much for the marshmallow peeps — although I have some good friends who go crazy over those little guys.
Jelly beans are my mom’s favorite. I don’t remember my dad ever eating much candy; his favorite snack was pretzels. If you like to be creative you can learn how to make Easter chicks and bunnies using pretzels at stoplookingetcookin.com. Dad would have loved making something like that.
I recall one year during our citywide Easter egg hunt, I had found few eggs. One nice lady who was there to help organize the event saw my pitiful take of eggs and said, “I’ve got something special for you.”
A few minutes later, I was the proud owner of a real, live bunny rabbit. It was a grand day in my life. Needless to say, Mom and Dad were overwhelmed with joy to see me so happy.
Another favorite Easter memory was being confirmed in church. This was a special time for everyone in our Christian family, and it signaled a time in my life when I began to spiritually grow as a person.
And fortunately, I’m still growing and learning. I don’t think God ever stops teaching and molding his people. There are some days I feel like a human Gumby doll.
All the excitement centered on Easter is truly wonderful, as Easter is the entire basis on which the Christian faith is built. It is a story of love and hope. It is through Jesus Christ that we can give thanks in all of our circumstances. He is the one who  helps us rise above them, too. This is why we can experience joy during our saddest times.  
Recently, there have been friends of mine who have experienced the loss of a mother, wife, husband, father or friend. It’s always a solemn time for everyone. I hope and pray that my friends and their families will be comforted and have peace.
Do you ever wonder what the arrival is like in heaven? I know I do. I also know that it will be something that is beyond compare to the pleasures we experience here on Earth. Where else will you be ushered by angels? There’s only one place that I know.
I see where the book, “Heaven is for Real” was released as a movie this week.  Pretty cool that it is during Holy Week. I’ve read the book, and without it I would have had even a tougher time dealing with my sister’s death three years ago.
Last week was her birthday. She would have been 59. I miss her terribly but know one day I will see her again. That is a promise we can cling to.
“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, ’till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.” Happy Easter, everyone.

DeLong is the executive director of The Suites at Station Exchange. Call 912-531-7867 or go to thesuitesatstationexchange.com.