Pandemic, may I call you Pandemic or would you prefer COVID, or perhaps just 19 for short. You are about to celebrate a birthday. Turning one year old is a milestone. When our sons turned one, we had a lovely birthday cake with circus decorations. We had a house full of adults who had any number of special relationships to each child. A grandparent, an uncle, a long-time friend, a colleague. Cake and wine were served; presents were not requested but arrived anyway. As a side note, each of the two boys made a great haul! One of the most important people at the party was our photographer (This was pre-cell phone cameras). Every moment of the party was documented; from the first hand in the birthday cake to ripping apart wrapping paper with no respect given to contents of the box.
Pandemic, you are a year old. Just like with our children, when you arrived our world totally changed. Going out to dinner, seeing friends, having people over all but stopped with their arrival, and yours! There were days my spouse or I felt like we were going to be trapped inside the house for the rest of our lives. Those first few weeks, we longed for adult conversation, a full night’s sleep, or a moment to think about anything other than our new arrival.
As you celebrate your first birthday, you definitely are the focus of our world and almost everyone else’s that you have come into contact with. No one can even remember what the world was like without you.
I clearly remember as our children were born and became one year, two years, and more, we were thoroughly amazed how they changed. They adapted to new situations, grew bigger and took steps toward independence. You are the same way! Its amazing!!!
I hesitate to admit the last year has been wonderful. It hasn’t. It is very lonely without people around. It’s hard to worry every time we go outside. We desperately need a break from all of this. Regardless of where we go, you or the thought of you is right there with us.
Our celebration will be far more subdued for you, Pandemic, than what we did for our children. You have not exactly made a good impression on many people. All our friends know you; but you have scared them silly. I hate to say this, but I’m afraid of you as well. I’m not going to give up on you. There must be something positive you’ve given to us; we just need to think hard and consider all the facts.
I know in my heart of hearts you are going to be with us for many, many years. Just like with the changes our sons made to our family, we will learn and adapt. And one day, almost magically you will leave us.
We will always have the stories of those early days to tell and retell our children’s children.
Happy birthday!
Leave a Reply