So, This Is Sixty

 

Happy 60th Birthday to Me!

So, this is sixty. This girl was born in 1960, which meant I would be turning 60 in 2020. Sounded like a magical mathematical happening. I had big dreams of turning 60 in 2020. There seemed to be a lot of good juju in all those even numbers. 

My only birthday wish was to spend this golden birthday with my children in Utah. No presents; no party; just my kids and Chuck.

New Year's 2020 arrived with all its fanfare, and then the Coronavirus reared its ugly head. The last time I saw my kids in Utah was in March, just before most of the nation went into quarantine mode. 

Chuck and I just knew this pandemic would all blow over by the time Memorial Day arrived. No? Then by Labor Day, for sure. Huh...well, for dang sure by my birthday in November. Oops. That was a big, fat NO, too.

After we told the kids we were staying home, I started to dread my birthday. I worried my Seasonal Affective Disorder would be raging without having contact with most of our kids for so long. I was so grateful that Chuck's boys who live nearby had made plans to celebrate with me, but then Illinois tightened visiting mandates, too. Those plans were dashed with the others. I couldn't win for losing.

Long story very short; I have an amazing circle of family and friends who love me too much to let me have a lousy birthday. You guys are the BEST. My birthday during this stinkin' pandemic may end up being one of the best in my whole entire life. I may have had to wear a mask with my friends, and I may not have been able to celebrate IN PERSON with our family, but thanks to my daughter, I received so many cards and birthday wishes. She had intended to have me open them in Utah at her house, and at the last minute, shipped them all to Illinois. I just cried when I saw so many envelopes, and recognized so many names. Later, I was able to read all of the emails that had been sent her way.

It was a very, very good day, after all.

My BFF Susan and I took photos at Heinz Garden Center. She made a gift basket that contained SIXTY things in my favorite color, ORANGE. 

Family friends sent a gorgeous floral arrangement. 

Neighbors gathered in front of our house, and sang Happy Birthday, and brought balloons and gifts. 

We Skyped with our Utah kids. 

My sweet daughter-in-law FaceTimed us with our three grandkids. CJ, who nicknamed me Grandma Poo, can't wait to bake cookies with me again. Aly, trying to copy CJ, called me Grandma Poop. They kept trying to correct her. Baby Caden is already smiling, and is such a big boy.

My day began and ended with birds. I always think of my dad when I see cardinals, and the whole time Jackie and I were on the phone, I watched several cardinals flitting from tree to tree in my backyard. Was that a sign, Daddy? I like to think so.

And after our neighborhood celebration, I saw my owl in a nearby tree. He didn't talk to me this time, but just seeing him again was a beautiful gift. 

My day was filled with phone calls, texts, and Facebook notifications. Wow. Just wow.

I FEEL SO LOVED. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will respond to all of those cards and letters in the coming days. 2020 doesn't have to suck, not if you have good friends and family who love you. Thanks so much.