Oh, I had such big plans for my 50th birthday celebration, something grand like the party I had when I turned 40,but the COVID-19 pandemic had other ideas. During the spring of 2020, we were under strict stay-at-home orders, though the state had just begun easing restrictions in phases. While large gatherings were still impossible, we were finally able to spend time with family in small groups again. So instead of the big party I had imagined, Mama and Anna created something far more meaningful. They prepared a fabulous dinner complete with not one, but two delicious desserts, and surprised me with a beautiful silver tray filled with so many of my favorite things. After months of limited contact and uncertainty, simply being together felt like the greatest gift of all. My birthday turned out nothing like I originally planned—and honestly, it was so much better. I was overwhelmed with gratitude that we were healthy, able to see one another, and able to celebrate together.
