Post Pandemic Party

 Way back last winter when it was obvious that my mom was probably going to live to see a hundred years, my sister started making plans.  We really didn't know if a party would be possible, and if one was, what it would look like. She reserved a shelter house in a park that was part of a bird sanctuary.  It was a pretty spot with restrooms and a close parking lot.

As time and vaccinations marched forward it seemed that it might be possible to have an actual party.  This was especially true since we had an outside party space.  The mask mandate for that city was lifted less than a month before the party.  But, my sister and I made plans. We held two online parties and the Saturday at the park.  My sister sent out invitations (which were not handled in a timely fashion by the post office, I might add).

About 23 people were there at the Saturday party.  It felt weird not to wear masks, but it would have felt weirder to wear them. Among the attendees were Mom (100), Uncle Rusty (97), Mom's first cousins, my two oldest cousins, both my brothers and my sister, spouses, a niece, a couple of grandsons, and great grandchildren. In age we ranged from 1 to 100, with one pregnant lady in attendance. There weren't any of Mom's friends as there had been at previous parties.  Most of them are passed away or too frail to come out to a park for a party.  We had people there from as far away as Colorado and North Carolina.

My nephew who worked as a chef made the food. We ordered a store bought pull apart cake in the shape of 100. The occasion was reminiscent of the many family reunions that my mom and her cousin had planned in summers long ago. It was the first post pandemic party for me and many people present, but it was probably the last big party for my mom.  I think she enjoyed it and perhaps she will remember it. I will remember it and thank the Lord for the blessing of Mom's long life.