Dear Readers,
Since it’s December, I’m figuring that about 75% of us have already experienced a “Pandemic Birthday”–a very different kind of birthday since last March when the lockdowns began, and our friends and favorite restaurants were closed to us.
My birthday just occurred on December 7, and for many months prior to it, I’d been wondering how I would react this year. I knew that I wouldn’t be spending it in my usual place, which is with my East Coast family. I also knew that I would probably be home with my sweet dog Jimmy Lambchop there to celebrate it with me, but no humans. The date approached with some trepidation on my part, given that I like raucous holidays and birthdays with loved ones and good food near.
Once the day arrived, I was hit with some important thoughts. I’d like to share them with you:
- I was so glad my birthday had arrived! It beat the alternative, after all. Far too many people have left us this year, succumbing to the virus. I was still here and healthy!
- I wasn’t at all lonely or feeling “deprived” (or depraved!). I received an overabundance of good wishes on social media, by phone, and by mail.
- This pandemic has forced all of us to sacrifice in on way or another, and when the going gets tough, I’ve discovered that I am tough, strong, and perseverant.
- All of us, no matter what our situations, have so much to be thankful for! I took a walk and looked around. Did the same inside my house. The word that came to mind repeatedly on my birthday was “GRATITUDE.” I had a smile on my face all day. (The cupcakes I made helped, too.)
- By the end of the day, I realized that I am a much happier person than I was on my last birthday. I think it’s a result of an important choice we are asked to make in extraordinary times like these, which is to live life well or live life ill. I choose to live it well and, therefore, look for joy and positivity now more than ever.
So, get a clue, Birthday Folks. I hope you had or will have a very joyous Pandemic Birthday, with an avalanche of gifts–the kind that can’t necessarily be wrapped.
