Locked down birthday
Birthday celebs in the age of Corona
Yes, birthdays are resonant with cakes, gifts, friends, eating outs etc. But this March, things took an epic turn as the virus caused disorderliness around the world. Especially, on my birthdate, the historical lockdown was announced in India.
The day unfolded in an eerily quiet pace. Shops were shut. I could not find a single soul moving about on the streets. Only the birds on trees were chirping loud enough to echo throughout the house.
I was thinking of how different this birthday was going to be. But was unprepared for this unexpected surprise. Somehow, it turned out to be a unique experience though.
The day was made up with good food and phone calls from near and loved ones. Normally, during workdays, the wishes would pour in through brief calls as everyone would be busy with their routine work lives.
However, this time around, all my loved ones, took the time out to wish and speak about the abnormal happenings and it made a deep diverse conversation to talk about with. Since most of my friends and family were working from home that day, they took a good amount of time to refresh and catch up with me amidst their call breaks.
It felt warm to feel the love and affection of the family displayed in the highest proportion on that day. Despite not being able to go out to a restaurant, or having a birthday cake or presents, this birthday was done right with much more in-depth self-analysis about growing old and the amazing phone conversations with friends and family.
On that day, I realised the true value of being alive, being under a safe roof with good food, family, and friends. It made me reflect that these are the greatest blessings for anyone in life.
Here are a few wise words by Jane Howard,
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
Any day with family & friends is a day of celebration and joy!
