Somehow, we have survived without going to Garvan Gardens to enjoy the beautiful tulips and azaleas this year. Our irises came up in the back yard, and did put on quite a show, though they are still being pounded by the April and early May thundershowers. The relatively mild winter and the cool-ish temperatures so far this spring have allowed our pansies to multiply and remain for longer than I would have expected in their sunny spot in the front flowerbed. My fairy garden was over-run with wild violets, and now it looks like the hydrangea will at least provide some green foliage over there. So, there are bright spots around my favorite hideaway.
But, really. No March Madness bracket competitions? No spring break trips of any kind? No Easter egg hunts? Virtual Easter Sunday worship in the living room? None of it was easy, but we made it.
I think I can safely speak for the whole “Lizzle” family when I say, “Okay, COVID-19. We gave you most of March, and sacrificed the whole month of April. But May? Come on now. That’s asking too much.”
This little crowd of people I am speaking of has had our own special way of communicating for quite a long time. On the rare occasions that we are all together, there is a lot of friendly ribbing, some good old-fashioned competition, and an awful lot of laughter. Since we’ve been spread across three states for over a decade, we’ve learned to enjoy gathering in smaller groups, and have taken advantage of technology to share as much of that fun-loving spirit as possible. We have our own little on-line chat group, and since the stay-at-home orders began to confine us, we started a weekly video meeting that has become the highlight of Granny’s weekend.
Can we adjust upcoming events to the “new normal”? Can someone please define that?
The first weekend in May would have included a great community event just north of here, Toad-Suck Days. Our kids remember their grandparents selling crafts here, and camping nearby. The oldest even had a few minutes of childhood fame during the “toadally” awesome toad races. I’m not sure how that would translate to a virtual event. I guess, like in some years past, this one will be a rain-out.
Next up, on the Sixth, was a huge celebration just west of Oklahoma City. Our newest grand-daughter will stop counting her days in weeks or months when she turns One! This would probably have been a big blow-out with relatives making the trip from all over the country. Her very creative parents came up with something very special. After all, they have already taken their kids on a special home-bound Disney vacation that was a U-Tube sensation, and made it to the nightly news all over the country! No worries for that little princess.
On the eighth, our oldest grandson celebrates another huge milestone when he turns 18! He’s had all sorts of parties over the years, from picnics in the park to indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and volcanoes at the local Rain Forest. For this one, there are un-confirmed rumors of some sort of “drive-by” event. Again, creativity takes over, and I know he will feel very special that day.
The second Sunday will fall on the tenth this year, so what will our Mother’s Day celebrations look like? This one is the easiest one to adapt. I enjoy hearing from my kids any time, so whatever happens on this day will be gravy. P.S. I am a big fan of gravy.
Then, on the 18th, our daughter and son-in-law celebrate their wedding anniversary. With three boys at home, they have not always done anything fancy. It’s a time to look back on their own brand of happiness, and they are committed to continue. That celebration can be deferred, I am sure.
Squeezing in right before the end of the month, the older brother of the afore-mentioned princess turns Three on the 30th. Once again, I am sure this will be special. He is turning into the comedian of the family. He loves nothing more than telling you his latest joke, and always follows up with a question – “Get it?” Every day is a party for this kid.
The 31st was the original day chosen for our grandson’s high school graduation. Like other seniors all across the country, that event will look quite different than planned, if and when it occurs. I don’t think any of them will have any trouble putting their final high-school year in the rear-view mirror and moving on to better days ahead.
The last day of the month has been the favored day for getting married in our family since 1947. That’s when my husband’s parents tied the knot in the vault at the Saline County Courthouse. Their oldest daughter chose that day for her wedding as well.
For this columnist and her best friend, the 31st marks 44 years on the way to forever. Will we even be allowed to sit down together at one of our favorite restaurants? That remains to be seen. Celebrations come and go, but each day we have together is a treasure of its own.
Blessings abound in our little corner of the world. Look around. You can probably say the same. May this month be the start of your future happiness.
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