There were more than a few tragic turnings of the past year of COVID, but the one that may be most regrettable is the time we have lost with loved ones. That feels especially sharp when I think of the fact that the Ilagan twins turned eleven today, and I feel like I’ve only see them two or three times since they turned ten – and that’s literally the truth.
There was this day of spooky fun around Halloween, and a rustic garage Thanksgiving, and that’s been about it before the weather turned and bound us indoors and without social distancing. That’s about to change, as their birthday alway indicates the shift to spring – a shift to hope and outside gatherings and the chance to re-connect to my niece and nephew. People have occasionally commented on what kind of influence their crazy fun Uncle can have on them – sometimes I wonder if their influence on me is more important. I think we can be of benefit to each other, and lately I’ve been missing their fun, rambunctious adventures.
The good news is that we are rounding the seasonal turn, and outside get-togethers will once again allow us to be together, where we last explored treasure hunts and Smashburger lunches and Starbucks siestas. Happy birthday, Emi and Noah – eleven is one of the last childhood years, so let’s make it a memorable one!
