Whatever faith tradition, or whatever anyone does or does not believe, the Easter metaphor of life, suffering, death followed by rebirth, is found everywhere. In nature, for sure, as winter's bareness covers all the life in sleeping beneath frozen ground. In our life stories, for sure. Hard times come and go, as do better times, and the cycle repeats itself throughout most people's lives.

I'm looking as I write these words at the beautiful face of Zayana Grace Mendez. She lived just 16 weeks, according to her obituary in our newspaper today. She was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily, according to the OI website.

In those 16 weeks, Zayana obviously gave much joy. From her obituary:

"Blessed with a full head of hair, she loved to have it brushed and accented with colorful bows...She had an uncanny way of knowing just what someone needed -- a comforting look, a beautiful smile or silly action...Zayana was a fighter and taught us all about strength and courage. She touched the souls of all who knew her...Our warrior princess will be greatly missed."

The warrior princess didn't live to see her first Easter. But it sounds as if she brought some of its essential message to those who loved her.

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