Birthday in Quarantine

Five months ago, I never would have imagined celebrating a birthday during a pandemic. Five months ago, I never would have imagined planning for Rosh Hashanah, the birthday of the world, in the midst of quarantine. Five months ago, I never would have imagined wishing summer away so that the semblance of school brings back routine to my family’s life.

And yet, this newly minted 39-year-old has some fresh realizations that, perhaps, five months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to articulate as well.

• No other gifts are necessary or come close to the joy of receiving three handmade cards from my precious children.

• Who needs waiters singing “Happy Birthday” or eating dessert in a restaurant when my husband sings and plays the piano in our living room and there’s a Bigg Chill treat waiting in the freezer?

• Birthdays don’t need to be a recollection of what one has accomplished or a surmising of what one has yet to achieve; rather, birthdays should be a beautiful understanding that there is so much more of life to be lived. So many moments to cherish and value.

• Every day feels like a birthday when I awaken healthy, with a roof over my head, surrounded by people I love.

Dear God, I am thankful for the gift of another year in this blessed world. May I never take for granted the people I love, the community I adore, and the life you want me to pursue. In this fissured world, encourage my 40th year to be one of leadership, action, purpose, and love. Give me the insight to walk this earth with a faithful spirit and open heart.

Thank you for this day and every day.

Shabbat shalom.