“I just want things to feel normal.”
We’ve all had that thought. I don’t know if we’re ever going back. Life never does. It moves forward stubbornly and relentlessly as hard as we try to saddle it, slow it, turn it. It keeps moving forward.
We have to find ways to, at best, ride it and guide it. Create a new and even more wonderful normal. Well do that.
Today though, for Anaiya’s 7th birthday, we created a sense of that old normal. And it was great.
Jaanu set the stage by cleaning the garage and making it “spic and span” for his sis. Yeah. He did that.
Tito Foi, Dadiji and the spirit of Dadaji kicked it off with a visit and some QT.
Then, thanks to the birthday party hosted by Nanaji and Naniji, we created a little art studio in our garage (heaters worked!) and everyone had a good time.
Painting. Oh man. I tell you. Anaiya picked out a specific paint by numbers for each kid who came. For them. For a reason. And that warmed my heart. We were limited by the size of the garage and space we could create, I only wish we could have delivered on her full invite list.
That aside, I have rarely been more proud of Anaiya as it was one of those moments. Those life defining moments. She realized that her birthday is about celebrating the people who make her life full. She not only picked paintings but helped each kid get set up and my heart is full.
We had some fun ideas too. Like having each kid stand on the ledge in the garage so we could trace their outlines and name them. I love that the neighborhood kids are locked in, age 4-8, on our garage wall forever. And finally, who doesn’t love apple cider with bourbon on a cold day.
#iamgrateful and #iamthankful to the fam and friends who made today wonderful. So wonderful it felt … like a normal Sunday in January for all of us.
For the kids who joined us, I’ll say it: I love ya, and thanks for blessing our house with your energy and blessing Anaiya with your friendship.
And for this amazing kid, I’m happy she felt the love. Love you, Magic.
Suneet Bhatt 