Easter Sunday

While I know Easter is a holy and solemn day for Catholics you have to love the other aspects of the holiday as well. For many it’s the spring version of Thanksgiving and Christmas as it often brings families together and despite changing times it’s a holiday when people actually get dressed up. We attended mass yesterday morning at St. Joseph’s Church in Toms River and I especially enjoyed seeing all the young children dressed up….little girls in their Easter dresses and boys wearing matching outfits with bright colors. At a time when we have gotten more casual than ever Easter Sunday is a day when formality is fashionable whether for church or taking part in an Easter Parade on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights or Point Pleasant Beach.

I would have to imagine that many families spent part of the day around the television in the late afternoon watching golf or more specifically the final round of the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. I’m sure a dinner or two was interrupted by what took place in a truly memorable final round which saw charges by Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods and ultimately a three-man sudden death playoff won by Angel Cabrera of Argentina. Actually it was more a tournament lost by Kenny Perry, who blew a two-shot lead with two holes left to play as he came up short in his bid to become the oldest Masters winner. On a day that celebrates family the 48-year old Perry winning would have been a better script but sports does not work that way.

Actually there was a perfect ending on Easter Sunday. That being the safe return of Captain Richard Phillips off the coast of Somalia and the end of a 5-day high-seas hostage drama. We can all celebrate this one.