shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
Ava is preparing to receive her First Communion in early May. During her Sunday School classes, they have been talking about the idea of Lenten Promises and Sacrifices: the practice of identifying something to "give up" during Lent.
My sisters and I traditionally committed to a Lenten sacrifice every year. Making such a Lenten promise reminds me of Cindy, and the moments we shared during Lent. Although it is typically considered a solemn season, we would manage to respectfully add a level of fun.
Every year, we always spent a few moments joking about giving up a non-existent vice (like coffee, alcohol, swearing, or smoking). I remember a couple of years when one or two of us gave up candy; and rather than simply politely declining when offered some candy, we accepted it and added it to a candy stash to be eaten once Easter arrived.
Just this weekend, I enjoyed teasing Carla a few times during a family party, because her Lenten sacrifice this year is not eating meat for every day of Lent (not just on Fridays). Those moments of offering her food that I knew she would refuse and then giggling about it, brought to mind memories of those similar moments shared with Cindy.
Ava thought about giving up chocolate for Lent this year, but we discussed that it might be too challenging for now. So we identified a behavioral improvement that she could have as her Lenten promise instead. Just the fact that she decided for herself to identify a Lenten promise was so impressive and touching. Her Tita Cyn would be proud.
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