"August will only turn 1 once!" I resolved. I cued up my broadway soundtracks (the best for solo driving) and ventured north for the day. I visited my parents and my grandmother, making some stops on the way to the party to break up my trip. I used to do this kind of thing all the time. I didn't think much of stopping into my grandmother's assisted living for a 10 minute visit, a quick chat, a cup of coffee, a hug. "See you in a couple weeks!"
I remember dropping into my parents' house for a bathroom break on the trip. I don't even think I saw them. Just ran into the house to pee, probably grabbed a drink from the fridge, and went on my merry way.
Then when I got to the party, I remember crowding in Justine's kitchen and living room covered with little kid toys. My friends' kids crawled all over me as we played and read together, and then sang happy birthday to August.
I split a beer with my 3 closest friends, all of us jammed on one couch, close together, like we have done since high school. We passed the can back and forth, laughing and reminiscing about how everything has changed, and yet nothing has changed in our 18 years of friendship.
I thought back on this day today as I ran some errands. My group text pinged with a picture of August, now 2, eating his slice of birthday cake. Who would have known what this year would be?
I can't help but wonder if things will ever be like this again. When is the next time we'll feel comfortable stopping to visit multiple households in one day? Cramming so many people into a small space? Blowing out birthday candles? Sharing a drink?
For now, I'd settle for seeing my friends and their kids in person, not through a screen. Hugs would be a bonus! Hopefully, soon.