This certainly was not how I saw myself marking my birthday. I envisioned a BIG party followed by a year with ten incredibly fun things to add to the fifty I did for my 50th, but COVID-19 happened. In Oregon, as in other states, the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures, and a changed way of life.
My
60th birthday actually turned out to be much more intimate
than was planned. It started by having lunch with a friend on
Wednesday, then on Friday, my actual birthday, I woke up to a HUGE
surprise in my front yard and had one of my favorite desserts,
strawberry shortcake, with another friend, and then had Mexican food
dinner with a couple of dear friends. Saturday, I had a surprise visit by a friend, and I was able to spend the evening with my children and grandchildren, having dinner and an amazing custom birthday cake made by my daughter-in-law. It was a GREAT birthday!
During quarantine, I am learning a lot about what I value most. Because I am such a planner, I thought it was going to suck that my special day was not going to turn out the way I had planned for so long and that I could not see all my family and friends, but I still got to talk to them all and reflect on what I am thankful for. My quarantine birthday taught me to “roll with the punches.” You can always have fun no matter the situation — sometimes you just have to get a little creative. Somebody suggested since I cannot do the ten activities I had planned that I buy myself ten gifts. Hmm, I think that is pretty creative, I love that idea, and I am going to roll with those punches!
Happy 60th birthday to me!
