Last week my middle child turned 16. As many of you parents that have a child with a birthday during this joyous pandemic, you are feeling what I feel. There is a pit in your stomach when you witness the disappointment in the eyes of that boy or girl. The celebration is melancholy at best with video wishes and personal messaging. It just is not the same. Some would say it sure will make us appreciate the way things used to be. In a lot of ways, I agree. The only thing my son wanted was to get his drivers permit. In our state, that part of the DMV is closed, and for who knows how long. The sneaky blessing underneath it all, I believe, is that this generation of kids has to really learn gratitude. Gratitude in my opinion, goes a little a deeper than appreciation. In reality, it has become misplaced along with all the expectations and envy we have of others. So this made me proud when I saw the sincere thanks my son held in his smile for what he did receive, permit not included.
We decided to teach him how to play Rook, Texas Hold Em, Blackjack and In-Between. My daughter unearthed the old Wii system and we all played “Just Dance” together in the living room. Movies, take-out. It healed some of the wounds I had opened from this stupid COVID outbreak. The ones where we divide to our own corners and don’t speak. Gratitude bloomed within my heart as well through this. And I am honestly fond of these memories.
We all just have to make the best of this, guys. As long as we are on the healthy end of it, there is need for joy. I break into when I read about loved ones passing away via Facetime, and funerals abandoned. Who ever thought we would arrive in this era?
So Happy Birthday to you March and April friends. It is one for the books. Maybe next year we can all look back and sigh in relief that it is over, But until then….. gratitude.