Like millions of people, I have a March birthday. For most of us, that would mean having a birthday party with loved ones. This year, things have been a bit different. With the C*********s impacting the world, it’s not only unsafe to throw birthday parties right now, but many small and federal governments are banning gatherings such as these.
For the children with birthdays during this month and the next month or few, it breaks my heart. Young children especially deserve to celebrate their big day alongside their friends. Blowing out birthday candles, opening presents, playing games and activities, and bouncing in a bounce house are all things children look forward to when their birthday arrives every 365 days.
Sophia Thomas is one child who had a birthday this month. Before the pandemic spread rapidly, the eight-year-old girl was anticipating watching movies with her friends to celebrate her special day. Unfortunately, that was not able to happen after all.
“When you’re eight-years-old, a birthday party is the biggest thing in the world, so to have it taken away was really crushing for her,” explained Sophia’s dad, Rob.
Like any good parents would, Rob and his wife Alison wanted to do everything they could to make it up to their daughter. It was out of their control, but they figured they could improvise to still make her birthday all worth it.
Rob and Alison, who are apart of a Facebook group alongside their neighbors, decided to ask those living on their street to make Sophia feel special on her birthday, whether it be to wish her a happy birthday or even to drop a card on their doorstep.
Many members on Alison and Rob’s street quickly got the memo. And they decided to wish Sophia a great day in the biggest way they could while remaining socially distant from one another. Together, they all sang happy birthday to little Sophia from within their homes with their windows open so she could hear.
As the neighbors on the street sang, Sophia was on her front lawn in tears, feeling so touched that the people on the street took the time to make her feel special.
“It wasn’t intended to be something to cheer up the nation but I’m glad if it brings a smile to people’s faces during this time,” said Rob.
If you know someone with a birthday soon, make sure to do something extra special for them! Although some of us aren’t really big “birthday people,” for someone else, getting recognized even in the simplest of ways on their date of birth means everything to them.
Listen to the neighbors sing to Sophia for her birthday down below.
