Earth Day, Birth Days, Social Distancing and Barry Gibb

Fifty years ago, I celebrated the first Earth Day and my tenth birthday with my fifth grade classmates at Gatewood Elementary School in Hopkins. It was a wonderful day spent mostly outdoors, knee deep in pond muck. We were busy building a new cedar chip trail around that pond in celebration of Earth Day. Our teacher, an original tree hugger, had us convinced that our collaborative effort, cleaning up the site, creating that trail and planting trees would make a real difference in the world. I would like her to know that it did. That one lesson, the one about community and caring for each other and the Earth, is one that has resonated with me for a half a century now.

I was hoping to celebrate Earth Day at Gatewood Elementary School tomorrow but realized weeks ago, with a heavy heart, that a visit would not be possible this year, due to Covid-19. When we are on the other side of the pandemic, we will all have stories of the things we missed during this time of social distancing. Let’s meet for coffee. I will listen to your pandemic story and I will share mine with you. We will cry and laugh. I have learned a few things about myself and about what really matters in life during this time. Mostly, I have learned how much I like people. I really like people, a lot. Like, a whole lot.

Tomorrow, I will celebrate another Earth Day and my 60th Birthday at home, with the best guy I know. I’ll bake a birthday cake. We will wait for news from our youngest and her husband. They called just now to tell us that her water broke. They have been admitted to the hospital in these strange times, with masks on. Soon we will welcome our fourth grandchild, a boy. A Boy! It may be a bit before we can hold him but we have been loving him for quite some time already. A pandemic has no chance in a match with spring, love, and babies. On the eve of a unique BIRTH DAY, I wish us all well. Love your family. Be kind to the Earth. Every little thing is going to be alright.

Oh, one more thing….If you happen to see me before I get my haircut, I will remind you of Barry Gibb. I will laugh about that with you and we can sing “Fanny Be Tender” while we hug one another.