37: A Redefined Birthday

 

I made it and I’m so very thankful. I feel blessed. COVID-19 has been a great detriment across the world. So many lives have been taken and so many more have fallen sick. Much of the country has been locked down in one way or another and we’ve been forced to find solace in quarantine. For some this has been a difficult task. We are a culture of movement. Always something to do. Always somewhere to go. Learning to “be still” seems so foreign. On the other hand, many of us are taking full advantage of this time and learning ways to cultivate, reset, refocus and redefine what’s truly important. As for me, in addition to the above, I’ve been using the time to be more creative and foster creativity in my children. I’ve been reading more (though not as much as I’ve wanted to) and I’ve been thinkin’, I’ve been thinkin’ (in my Beyonce voice.)

Amid our current state, we’ve found new innovative ways to go about our day to day lives. We are utilizing technology in a way that we previously hadn’t. Group chats, virtual photoshoots, and the app TicToc is taking over. Virtual concerts and DJ’s across the world are on the 1’s and 2’s via live streaming. We are exploring ways to unite while also practicing social distancing. I’ve watched musicians in Italy put on full concerts from the safety of their balconies. I’ve watched New York residents fill the air with the BEAUTIFUL sound of Notorious B.I.G’s lyrics as they sang from their windows. I’ve seen drive-by birthday caravans. I saw an elderly man stand outside of his wife’s nursing home window so that he could be near her even though… he couldn’t be near her. So while the rising numbers can be quite devastating and even invoke fear, I’ve found myself more overwhelmed by the allure of community.

Yesterday (by the grace of God) I turned 37 years old. That’s right. I made another orbit around the sun! I do not take this blessing for granted, because that is exactly what it is. A divine blessing. Yesterday, I was also reminded of how blessed I am in love, family and friends. Since this whole COVID-19 thing happened and has since only worsened, I didn’t have any real plans for my birthday, that is, other than being thankful. Well, a few of the very special women in my life came together to help me celebrate my day (complete with my very own cake, birthday banner, a bottle of champagne!!!)

We logged on to Houseparty and… we had a party!!! It was BYOB of course! We laughed, we drank, danced a little, talked trash and most importantly, we gathered while STILL practicing social distancing. For you ladies, and you know who you are, I just want to thank you immensely. I love each and every one of you and I consider myself extremely blessed to have you in my life. I appreciate each of our individual relationships as I do our collective alliance. I remember one time (during a group chat) I mentioned that I don’t really have a circle as I pretty much stay to myself and one of my cousins corrected me in a way that only SHE (pun intended) could. I immediately digressed and have never made that statement again. Truth is this, we may not speak every day. We may not see each other as often as we’d like, BUT we are always there for one another when it counts the most. The capacity in which we are able to be there may differ, but there is a consistent presence felt. I am eternally thankful. Thank you, ladies! I love you beyond words

I would also like to extend a special thanks to ALL of the additional love I received yesterday!!! Each social media post, text and phone call was so very appreciated.  It was truly a great day! I love you all, stay healthy & stay yo ass at home!

I said what I said!

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