Why We Shouldn’t Stop Celebrating Just Because We’re Stuck Inside
And, no I’m not suggesting that we should gather together in-person
Tomorrow is my Mom’s birthday — and a pretty big milestone one if I may mention. She’ll be seventy years-old tomorrow. Frankly, it’s quite hard for me to believe that given the fact that she looks almost exactly the same as she has for the past few decades and still often treats me like a teenager.
Regardless, time stops for no one.
My Dad turned seventy back in September and we threw him a big birthday party at their house. Thinking back on it now, it feels like ages ago. He had a wonderful time and so did everyone who attended. He was so happy which in turn made me so happy. He always says that he doesn’t want to do anything for his birthday, but deep down, I know that appreciates the gesture. And my Mom is the same exact way.
Every year, we always ask my Mom what she wants to do for her birthday and every year, it’s the same answer. “Nothing really”, she says. Of course, we still plan something anyways. And just like my Dad, she always appreciates it. However, this year is different because now when she says, “Nothing really”, it actually does mean, “Nothing, really”.
We can’t physically go and spend time with her. We can’t go out to dinner. We can’t throw a party. There’s not much that we can do at all because of the current health crisis. And it’s pretty disheartening to be robbed of the ability to go out and celebrate with your loved ones.
And I know that My Mom is not the only one who’s being robbed of a celebration. I personally know a number of friends whose birthdays who are also seemingly ruined. I know couples whose weddings are being postponed. I know dozens upon dozens of plans that have been cancelled in general due to the situation that we’re in.
And I have to admit, it’s definitely depressing to think about.
However, we also have to realize that if there’s one thing that will hopefully bring us solace during this time, it’s the comfort in knowing that at least we’re all in this together. And that’s something that we can take advantage of.
