It is a very tough time for those who miss their special holiday and milestone celebrations with family and friends.

Many would have traveled recently to see extended family, gathering around a table full of favorite Easter foods. For the first time in living memory, we could not gather together for worship, eat at the same table, or travel distances to see loved ones.

The state of Michigan, in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus, has banned even travel between homes to reduce the spread of the disease.

Despite this, we do have memories and stories we can share with our loved ones over the phone or by other social media connections. Nothing can ever take away from us those fond memories.

It seems that many of us have fond memories, which we could share with others, often unique to our cultural heritage and traditions. Many of you probably remember hot cross buns, Easter hams, and seeing white Easter lilies, tulips, and hyacinths.

I remember Easter as a child — waking up to a basketful of special chocolate treats, colorful Easter eggs, and often a new stuffed Easter rabbit.

I will never forget the year I received an enormous solid white chocolate bunny from my aunt and uncle. It was delicious, but way too much for me to eat on my own.

I also remember a homemade white vanilla cake with coconut white icing that my mother would serve as a desert at Easter Sunday dinners.

I could hardly wait to wear my spanking new black patent leather shoes, Easter bonnet, and dress to church. The sanctuary was full of spring-like pastel colors and flowers, of laughter and good cheer, as the regulars and extended family gathered to worship the resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Death no longer has the final say on our lives. The grave no longer entombs us for eternity. Christ has risen from the dead and we can shout Halleluiah, Praise the Lord.

The long Lenten season is over. And with warmer days, we look forward to getting out and going places, enjoying outdoor sporting events, but not this year, not yet.

We need to keep our social distances, wearing our masks in public, and staying safe.

As the kids will ask on a long car ride, we are asking now as well, “Are we there yet?”

We are not there yet.

This is still the time of flattening out the curve to prevent others and ourselves from needless suffering and death, from this killer virus. It is still the time of cautious hope.

Our faith assures us of the Easter message, that death has no power over our lives.

We can sit in the back seat of our car with seatbelt on and trust that we will eventually reach our destination, for God is the driver.

We are not there yet, but we can trust that we do not go it alone. Our Easter faith still assures us of new life, hope, and joy in the future.

Verna Call is former pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ in Evans City.