Happy [Quarantine] Birthday
This is the best birthday, ever! our son Miguel blurted out at the dinner table. He turned six a couple of weeks ago and we honestly didn't expect he was going to have this much fun considering he wanted something completely different for his birthday.
To be fair, this son of ours is not known for making grand requests. I have to admit, he probably got it from Mike who's very simple and cannot be bothered about anything extravagant. In short, Miguel is an easy child.
Just before the pandemic completely took over the world, the only thing he asked for is to be able to celebrate his 6th at his grandparents' house where he can play and bike around. But by March, when Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine, I knew we had to shift plans around and make something work despite the new circumstances.
We calmly explained to him the issues we were dealing with and how everyone's safety should be our main concern. His response, which you will see on the video, really reveals how understanding kids are if we approach them in a very candid yet gentle manner. We did not expect him to revel at the idea especially when we told him not to expect gifts since shops (other than groceries) are not open yet.
Few weeks before his birthday, we laid out a new plan and as the designated party planner of the family, I tried my best to think of creative alternatives for an actual birthday party. Instead of seeing the special people in our lives in person we resorted to doing a Zoom Party, ordered few decorations and of course, per the celebrant's request, a Dinosaur-themed cake. Overall, I think we did great in giving emphasis on the saying "Together Apart."
Check out what went down that day by watching the video below.
Did you also have the experience of having to adjust or change already-planned occassions due to the current situation we're in? What went into it and how did it go? Let us know about it by dropping a comment below.