Birthday Month!

It’s my birthday month! In 11 days, I will be 45 years old. That is just so weird.

As a kid, I thought it would be so cool to be alive in the year 2020! I had all these grand plans for my 45th birthday, because, obviously, I was going to be rich, famous, and likely married to a prince! In some ways, these all came true: I am rich in love with my family and friends, and happily financially secure. I am famous among the children and families that sing and dance with me each week, over video chats like Zoom, or in person, outdoors in backyards and public spaces. And I married the best person I know, for he is better than a prince. He is kind, generous, funny, witty, brave, and better yet, he puts up with all of my nonsense.

I never imagined living through a plague. While others refer to the Corona Virus as a Global Pandemic, I call this a plague. Hundreds of thousands of people have died. The people that are surviving are being burdened with unimaginable pain, mental fog, lingering breathing issues, and debilitating debt.

So how can I be happy for myself? How is that not selfish?

My statements of my own privilege are just acknowledgements of gratitude. I hope that my life is one of service. Service to my family, my community, my world. I hope that I am using my resources for the betterment of all, as I strive each day to make the world a bit better. My skill set is one of craft. I pour love into every note I sing. Into every mask I make and donate. Into every conversation I have with my family and friends. I dedicate my birthday month to every one of those lost in this plague.

May each day be an opportunity to grow and to give.

May each soul lost be remembered as a blessing.