Day: April 19, 2020

Some of our teens here in the village have been having birthdays, and instead of spending it hanging out with friends or going out to dinner and a movie, they’re getting something extra special. It began two weeks ago when a friend texted out for help: her daughter was turning 15 and was feeling pretty bummed about spending it at home without friends. She wondered if maybe we could drive by and honk or something, maybe text a birthday card? Someone suggested a car parade of birthday honks and wishes. It was on.

Fifteen cars met at the church parking lot that Saturday at 5:15pm, some with balloons, others with posters, cars filled with families, including a few dogs with their heads hanging out the window. At 5:25, we snaked out of the parking lot and onto 23rd Street, making our way up the hill toward the ridge with our lights flashing. We got cut in half by the traffic light at the top, but we reconnected pretty easily because everybody had to slow down and pull into their circular driveway to honk, blow kisses, and call out well wishes. The birthday girl was in happy tears by the time our car pulled in, as were most of us. People on the street stopped to take pictures and wave, and then we all headed headed back down the hill to our homes.

Another call went out three days ago: her daughter would be turning 16 on Monday. Village car parade! We knew the drill, and this time it was a straight shot from the parking lot: cross 23rd, go straight three blocks, and make a left. Her parents had coaxed her outside for a bike ride just as the car parade rounded the corner. This time, one boy jutted out of the sun roof, waving a giant flag while his brother drove. Maxine, inspired, stretched herself out of our sun roof with the sign she had made. As we cruised past her house, I saw that her face was lit up with pure joy. The heart of the village beats mightily.

We had a little back deck hang-out with a couple friends this evening. They texted when they were walking their dog and asked, “Social distancing deck party in 10 minutes? No kids.” I “liked” it, and sure enough, about 10 minutes later, Sasha started barking and then began wagging her tail when she saw them. We wiped down a couple drinks with a Lysol wipe and placed them on the deck table using the wipe. We backed away and sat down, they retrieved their drinks and settled themselves a good six feet across from us, and then we fell into conversation like the good old days back in February. As I tidied up the house before I sat down to write this, it almost felt like the end of a normal Saturday. It was a good day.