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My great-grandma’s 101st birthday during the pandemic
It’s not every day you meet someone who’s 101. It’s even more bizarre when you realize your grandparents made it that far. It’s fun bragging to people; my grandma’s in her 100’s now.
COVID-19 killed her 100th birthday party. This year, she wanted to do something for her birthday. Only immediate family got invited, and we did something small for her. We had masks in our pockets in case she wanted us to put them on. I kept my distance if she was still wary of me being there after taking a trip two weeks ago.
Cake, ice cream, and presents. And we made sure she loaded up on her favorite perfume, Wind Song. She told us stories of her earliest memories and about growing up. Lots of laughs went around the house too.
My sister brought her two children, and I watched my grandma playing with them, wondering, “How often do you see a great-great-grandma playing with her great-great-grandkids?”
Grandma didn’t give any secrets to a long life, so I hope you’re not too disappointed when you read about our birthday party. She stayed smiling and laughing no matter what. She could feel the love we had for her, and I think that’s enough.
And maybe that’s it. Perhaps it’s not some secret food people eat that makes them live longer. It’s not drinks or food or some magical workout. It’s a robust, loving support system. That’s probably all anyone needs.
