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My cousin Stephen hunting Easter eggs at our grandmother's house in Anderson, Indiana. Probably the mid-1950s. Scanned from a 35mm Kodachrome transparency likely taken by our Aunt Lee. View full size.
I'm astonished to recognize, belatedly, in this photo someone that I knew very well. I last saw Stephen Happel two days before his sudden untimely death, and I attended his funeral. He is resting in peace.
What a beautiful and appropriate tribute to his cousin by bhappel on Easter Sunday. It is obvious that Stephen was a well-loved and impeccable young man. I also had an almost identical double-breasted, large-collared "storm coat" which is what they were called in 1950 when they were considered extremely stylish, although I did not have the character and discipline to enter the religious life. For some reason, this is a very inspirational photo and mini-biography. Thank you bhappel for taking us back to the 50's.
Stephen grew from the symbolism of the Easter Egg to become an expert in systematic theology, foundational and fundamental theology, and religion and culture. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1970, and was named as Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies of The Catholic University of America in September 2000.
He died of a massive heart attack in October 2003. He was already a teenager when I was born so I grew up with him as an "adult" member of our extended family. It was only as I became an adult that I began to know him.
Thank you Dave for the Easter gift of posting this image today. My wishes for Easter (or Passover) Blessings to all who pass this way.
To you, Dave, and everyone of us who love your window on a past we're trying to keep in memory to compensate for these difficult times.
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