The year that was

Day fifty of lockdown and it’s my birthday. I wept when my sister visited me last night with a surprise cake “to celebrate the year that was.” The year that was. A tradition she developed when many moons ago she bought a candle, shaped as a seven for her son, who was actually turning eight. She turned the mistake into a reason to celebrate twice, the night before and the day of a birthday.
“The year that was” has taken significant new meaning in this time of COVID-19. The year that was included travel and family outings, restaurants, movie theaters, parties, museums, concerts, festivals, cafes, amusement parks, beaches, hosting, exercise classes, conferences, beaches and hugs. So many hugs.
I blew out the candles and made my wish, wondering how many other people around the globe were hoping for the exact same thing as they made birthday wishes.
Will we ever return to a semblance of the year that was?