We were grateful that our mom was healthy, happy, active and living an independent life on her own in a senior apartment.
In normal times, we would have held a huge party inviting many friends, relatives to come and celebrate with Mom and our family.
But due to COVID restrictions, we could not hold any in person gathering or having any party.
What we did instead was organizing a virtual party to celebrate this special event.
We sent out invitations to
all our siblings, and my mom's grandchildren who are working and living in different parts of the world.
The day before, we decorated our house, putting up ribbons and preparing a special place for her to sit.
During the COVID period, we cannot attend church services on Sunday, therefore, we bring Mom to our house and we watch our church service online.
After the Sunday Service, it was time for the zoom party.
After the Sunday service, we would have lunch together. Mom really enjoyed that. We have been doing that since the COVID restrictions forbid us from going to church on Sundays.
We are glad that we could still bring a little joy to Mom who has been a prisoner in her own apartment since COVID started.
On the day of the zoom party (Sunday), we picked up Mom from her senior apartment at around 11a.m.and brought her to our house.
She was surprised that we decorated the house and held a party in her honour.
After the Sunday Service, it was time for the zoom party.
Most of her grandchildren and seven children signed on the zoom party. They talked to Grandma and wished her happy birthday.
Mom was tickled pink seeing her grandchildren from Florida, San Francisco, Hawaii, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and other Canadian cities! She was so happy having her family around her even though it was online.
My sister baked a diabetic friendly birthday cake for her and bought it over. We lit the candles and sang happy birthday to Mom. She was happy and tried to look for and identified all her grandchildren and great grandchildren on the screen.
It was a memorable day for my 95 year old Mom and us all! COVID or not, it could not dim our joy of celebrating Mom's 95th birthday!
R.T.
Toronto
Life during COVID
