Day: April 1, 2026

Posted in Storytelling

Buddy, the Easter Bunny

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Buddy the Easter Bunny written and image created by Deb Andio,

Buddy wasn’t just any Easter bunny—he was the kind of bunny everyone loved. He was kind, dependable, and always the first to lend a helping hand. Whether he was helping a neighbor, fixing something that was broken, or simply showing up when someone needed a smile, Buddy was there.

But here’s the part most people didn’t know…

Buddy the Easter Bunny was actually a regular guy.

All year long, Buddy worked hard. Some days he was driving a truck, other days he was fixing heavy equipment, getting his hands dirty and doing whatever it took to provide for his family. He wasn’t flashy or famous—just a hardworking man with a big heart.

Buddy was also a good Christian man. He may not have always been able to attend church every Sunday, but his faith was strong in his home. As a family, they would sit together and watch preachers on television, read scripture, and do their best to live as good, loving people. Buddy led by example—he was the head of his household, a steady, guiding presence who showed what it meant to care, to provide, and to love unconditionally.

But when Easter came around… something special happened.

Buddy would put on his Easter bunny suit.

And not just any suit—it was his way of becoming something magical.

Late at night, while the world was sleeping, Buddy would quietly go from house to house. He would plant colorful eggs, baskets filled with candy, and little surprises meant to bring joy. He paid special attention to his family and neighbors, making sure everyone had something waiting for them in the morning.

To everyone else, it looked like the Easter Bunny had come.

But really—it was Buddy.

Because Buddy didn’t do it for recognition. He didn’t need credit or thanks. He did it because he loved making people smile. He loved seeing the excitement on children’s faces and the warmth it brought to families waking up together on Easter morning.

Buddy made a great Easter bunny—not just because of the costume, but because of the joy he carried in his heart. Everywhere he went, he spread kindness, laughter, and love.

Buddy understood something important…

Sometimes the greatest kind of magic isn’t magic at all—it’s faith, family, and showing up for others.

And because of that, Easter was a little brighter, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more meaningful for everyone lucky enough to know him.

Posted in Blogging, Faith

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

Morning rituals , What does the first hour of my day look like? Well… it probably doesn’t look like most people’s.

While many are hitting snooze or stumbling toward their first cup of coffee, my day begins at 4:30 a.m.—yes, you read that right. No snooze button here. I think I’m up before the chickens .

The first thing I do is put together my husband’s lunch for work. It’s my quiet way of showing love before the day even begins.

Then comes my version of a “morning cuppa”… tea. Somewhere along the way, coffee and I decided we needed boundaries in the morning. It seems to tweak my belly now and then especially in the morning . We’re still friends—just later in the day. 😊

With my tea in hand and the house still quiet, I open my Bible. This is my favorite part of the morning. For about 15–20 minutes, I sit in God’s Word, letting it settle into my heart. It’s not rushed, not forced—just a peaceful moment between me and the Lord. Some days, I may write a short blog inspired by what I’ve read, sharing encouragement with others.

Then comes something I’ve learned to truly treasure—stillness.

For about 10 minutes, I sit in silence with positive affirmations and gratitude. I thank God for another day of life. I thank Him for strength, even on the hard days. Living with joint pain can be challenging, exhausting and very often painful, especially in the morning, but sometimes it can be all day long, but I’m grateful nonetheless because I’m still get to enjoy another day on this beautiful earth and I get to talk to my amazing Grandaughter. I thank Him for my family my friends, my job any new opportunities that may come my way, and the sunshine here in Florida (even though I do miss Ohio and the people I love there). Life isn’t perfect hearing in Florida. It can be quite expensive and often very challenging to not want to move back home where things were far less expensive and things were at a little slower pace , it’s not perfect ,far from it—but it is a blessing. And sometimes we just need to slow down long enough to recognize that.

After that peaceful start, reality gently taps me on the shoulder. I check my phone for a few minutes, maybe play a quick game to wake up my brain (because let’s be honest—at 4:30 a.m., it needs a little encouragement), and then it’s time to get ready for the day.

I shower, get dressed, and then wake my husband. We sit together, talk, and have breakfast before he heads off to work. Those simple moments mean more than anything—just starting the day side by side.

Then I clock into my part-time job and step into whatever the day holds.

It may not be a glamorous routine. It may not be trendy. But it’s grounded in faith, gratitude, and intention.

And honestly? That quiet time with God before the world wakes up… it changes everything.