Three or four days later, Morris Townsend, together with Arthur Townsend, visited Washington Square.

          ‘Arthur is going to marry my sister’s daughter, Marian, so the polite thing is for Arthur to visit me,’ Aunt Penniman said to Catherine before they came.

          And here they were. Arthur sat with Catherine, Morris sat with Mrs Penniman. Catherine tried to listen to Morris and her aunt. Morris often looked over at Catherine and smiled.

Chapter 1An Ordinary Girl

          Many years ago in the city of New York, there lived a doctor. America likes doctors and New York liked Dr Sloper. At the time our story begins, in 1843, Dr Sloper was fifty years old. He was a good doctor, he was a man of the world, and he was honest.

          Life was good to him. At twenty-seven he married a beautiful and clever girl. She had pretty eyes, ten thousand dollars and a good place in society. For five years Dr Sloper was a happy man. Many of his wife’s friends came to him and he did well in his profession.

Easter Messages for Family 

For many of us, Easter is all about the traditions we share with family. That makes it a perfect time to reach out to family members and remind them how much those shared ties and memories mean.

Examples

• “At Easter and always, so grateful for all we share as family.”
• “Mom, you’re there at the heart of all my best Easter memories. Thank you for always making it such a fun and colorful time in our family.”
• “Remembering all those years of matching Easter dresses, egg hunts and candy swaps…and thinking of how good it still is having you for my sister.”
• “Celebrating the joy of Easter, the promise of spring and the lifelong blessing of having parents like you.”
• “Warmer, brighter, happier, LOUDER—that’s how Easter (and every day) has been with a son like you!”

V V V V

Easter Messages for Kids 

When sending an Easter card to a child, you have extra permission to make it fun and silly. Even if they end up rolling their eyes at an “egg-stra” bad joke you made, they’ll still love getting mail and knowing you’re thinking of them.

Examples

• “Have an ‘egg-stra’ Happy Easter! Hope it brings you smiles by the dozen!”
• “Sending a big Easter hug to one of the coolest chicks I know!”
• “Happy Easter! Jesus loves you. (And we love you, too!)”
• “Hope your Easter is sweeter than jelly beans!”
• “Happy Easter to some-bunny who’s loved bunches!”
• “Wishing you a big ol’ basket full of happy on Easter!”
• “You may outgrow egg hunts and chocolate bunnies, but you’ll never outgrow all the love we have for you!

Easter Messages of Hope 

You might choose to use your Easter message to share the hopeful feeling of new beginnings that comes with the longer days and warmer weather of spring.

Examples

• “After the winter we’ve had, I hope you’re feeling as glad as I am to say hello to Easter and springtime.”
• “Thinking of you at Easter and hoping these warmer days are putting an extra spring in your step!”
• “Happy Easter! I hope it’s every bit as beautiful where you are as it is in my neighborhood.”
• “Here’s to new life unfolding all around us and new joy in our hearts.

Across-the-Miles Easter Messages 

When you and your recipient will miss being together in person on Easter, you can use your card to let them know they’ll still be in your heart, your thoughts and your happy memories of this time of year.

Examples

• “Missing you at Easter but holding you close in my thoughts.”
• “I wish we could be together for Easter, but please know I’ll be thinking of you…and eating enough chocolate for both of us!”
• “Remembering so many happy Easters we’ve shared and looking forward to catching up when we see each other next month”
• “I’ll miss seeing you at Easter, but it makes me happy knowing you’re where you need to be right now.”
• “Happy Easter from across the miles!

Easter Messages of Gratitude 

Thanksgiving isn’t the only holiday for expressing gratitude. The spiritual foundations of Easter make it a natural time to reach out and remind someone you’re glad to have them in your life.

Examples

• “Feeling so grateful for Easter and springtime and you.”
• “Thank you for being a blessing in my life at Easter and all year through.”
• “This time of year always gets me thinking of you and how lucky I am to call you my friend. I appreciate you.”
• “Easter just felt like a good time to remind you how thankful I am for each of you!”
• “Sending bright Easter wishes, with love and gratitude.”
• “Thanks for being a ray of spring sunshine at Easter and always!”
• Un ejemplo en español: “En Pascua y siempre, doy gracias por tenerte en mi vida.”

Religious Easter Messages 

If you belong to a Christian faith tradition, then sharing the hope and joy of Christ’s Resurrection may be the key message you want to send in an Easter card. And there are lots of great ways to do that…

Examples

• “Celebrating the miracle of Easter, the beauty of God’s creation and the blessing of having you in my life.”
•  “In this season of rebirth, may you feel your faith renewed and your heart made new with the hope Easter brings.”
• “Happy Resurrection Day to a wonderful family!”
• “Praying your Easter will be bright with the hope and joy of our risen Savior.”
• “He is risen!

Happy Easter Messages 

A simple “Happy Easter” wish can be a great option, especially when the card itself has already said a lot or when keeping it short simply feels right for your relationship with your recipient.

Examples

• “Happy Easter and God bless.”
• “Happy, hoppy Easter to you!”
• “Hoping your Easter is extra bright and happy this year.”
• “Wishing you sunshine, good times and a very happy Easter!”
• “Happy Easter to the whole family! I hope it’s a fun one for all of you.”
• “Just wanted to say a warm springtime hello and wish you a happy Easter!”
• “Thinking of you at Easter and sending sunny wishes your way…”
• “Wishing you a happy, heartwarming Easter time.”
• Un ejemplo en español: “Deseándote una Pascua llena de bendiciones.”

Helpful tip: The timing for sending an Easter card is flexible.

African-American
The Resurrection Sunday church service is at the heart of African-American Easter traditions. Everyone dresses up in their best—new suits, shined shoes, bright dresses, hats, gloves. The worship services feature prayer, singing, Easter pageants, parades and speeches or recitations. Afterwards, the day focuses on family and togetherness, including a big dinner and often an egg hunt for the kids. Hiding a special empty golden egg that represents Jesus’ empty tomb is a time-honored Easter tradition for many African-American families.