Sophie, my neighbour in her early seventies, is a widow with no immediate family. I regularly check in on her, offering assistance with errands due to her mobility issues. While community services provide practical support, they often fall short of addressing her emotional and well-being needs.
Born the sole child of Wilem and Helga on the shores of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, she had twelve aunts and uncles, her parents’ siblings. Her idyllic childhood overflowed with joy, especially during Christmas and the holidays. But her favourite time of year was Easter, when she would receive chocolate Easter eggs from each of her beloved family.
On Easter Sunday mornings, she’d race down the stairs to find the dining table adorned with chocolate eggs from her aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Some were dark chocolate, others milk chocolate, and occasionally white or strawberry-flavoured.
Each egg held a treasure trove of sweet treats, sometimes with smaller eggs hidden inside. But the ultimate surprise was a hot-air balloon-shaped egg, complete with a basket overflowing with brightly coloured chocolate eggs.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, Sophie and her cousins diligently painted eggs in a vibrant array of colours and designs under the watchful eye of her mother.
The Easter egg hunt with her cousins was another cherished tradition. In Switzerland, the cuckoo symbolises rebirth, and children are told the fable about the Easter cuckoo delivering the eggs.
On Good Friday, everyone would gather to watch the Easter procession, a spectacle of colour, with vibrant costumes depicting biblical scenes and marching through the town. The town square fountains were adorned with an array of spring flowers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
After the procession, families would return home for a lavish brunch featuring honey-baked ham, roast pork, and all the trimmings, followed by chocolate eggs for dessert.
Being devout Catholics, the family would attend the church service in their best clothes on Easter Sunday; Sophie recalls her eagerness to return home and sample the chocolate she had received.
At 25, she met Sam, a charismatic young man from Australia. They fell in love, married, and moved to Brisbane, his hometown. After he retired, they moved to Kiama on the south coast of New South Wales. They enjoyed a long and fruitful life together, choosing not to have children until Sam’s tragic death in a car accident three years ago left her all alone.
Sophie reminisces about cherished childhood traditions that she sadly misses. They live on as treasured memories, which she revisits when she feels nostalgic. Growing up, she cherished large family gatherings. In contrast, Sam had no siblings, and they never had children of their own, so celebrations were always low-key.
Since Sam’s passing, Easter has never been the same for her. Without him to give her chocolate eggs, the holiday has become a bittersweet reminder of their lost moments together.
This Easter, I wanted to make it truly special. I contacted a local chocolatier and commissioned a beautiful Swiss chocolate egg. I requested that he pipe Sophie’s name on the front and add a vibrant red bow on top of the box. On Easter morning, I proudly presented her with this special gift.
As she opened the door, she found me clutching the egg, tears glistening in her eyes. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she embraced me tightly. Inviting me inside, she offered me homemade Swiss cakes, warm from the oven, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
She softly expressed her deep appreciation for my thoughtful gesture, which made her feel cherished and valued and brought back treasured memories. We sat back and shared mutual moments from the past.
Simple acts of kindness can spread joy and make a real difference in people’s lives. They cost little but provide endless pleasure.
