Let's write a fun message to Elle for her birthday in our entries.


Birthdays in the middle of a pandemic

My son turned six on Monday. It wasn’t what we had planned – the party at Chuck E Cheese and the cupcakes for his class at school. Yet we had a family celebration. I was still able to get cake from Dairy Queen and pizza for dinner. Zander said it was the best birthday he had ever had.

A friend of mine called from the nursing home where she resides. Her birthday is the same day as my son’s. Her family was going to have a small party for her with dinner and a cake. They were unable to come because the nursing home would not allow visitors. While the nursing home was trying to keep her safe, it was still a loss for my friend.

These are hard times for people with birthdays. Yet, perhaps these are times to slow down and do what we can to celebrate simply. That does not mean there is not grief in that for some of us. For introverts like me, this time to be alone without anywhere to go can be a blessing. Yet, for others it is a financial hardship or a time for missing people in our lives. I know some extroverts who are going crazy with too much “social distancing.” Knowing the party will have to wait or the birthday gatherings we had planned will not happen is a loss. Yet, perhaps the party can be transformed into a Netflix series marathon, a homemade cake, or a walk with the dog celebrating with nature. While the birthday may not be what we expect, it can still be joyful and meaningful. It can still be a time to celebrate us.  

Elle, I send you the very best wishes on your birthday and hope you can find a way to celebrate you in the midst of this time of silence and uncertainty. Happy Birthday!