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May 30, 2020, I Go to a Dinner Party for My 78th Birthday
“The times they are a-changin’”
Since autumn 2018, at her invitation, I’ve been living at the Bainbridge Island, Washington, home of my niece Lura. I voluntarily pay rent proportionate to my means to use a detached guest bedroom with a half-bath. Lura’s son Andrew has his living quarters in the garage. He is currently on a road trip. Her stepson Thomas and his girlfriend Selena rent one of two guest bedrooms. When home, Lura sleeps in the loft and studies and relaxes in the den. In the house, we all may use the kitchen, bathroom, living room, laundry room, and (except when Lura wants to be alone there) the den.
It seems like a commune and a year-round creativity retreat. Andrew and I are into creative writing. Thomas is into carpentry and drawing. He and Selena often cook together with fine taste and craftsmanship. Lura is into lace-making.
Being homebound by the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a big impact on my life. I’m an introvert and also spent the bulk of my waking hours before it in my room, working on writing projects. I look forward to eventually getting back to attending church services and committee meetings, critique writing group meetings, Showing up for Racial Justice meetings, special events, etc. Meantime, I don’t mind being at home almost all the time.
Lura is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She works a 12-hour shift three nights per week. Usually, she is home from late Wednesday morning to late Sunday morning. During her working nights, she stays at the home of her daughter Rachel and son-in-law Brian in West Seattle. During the pandemic, she has been staying there all the time, making rare trips home.
(I’ll refer to that Brian as “young Brian” because he and Rachel are young adults.)
Invitation, Plans, and Going to the Party
Some days beforehand, Lura sent me a phone text inviting me to a birthday dinner party at Rachel’s and young Brian’s place to celebrate my 78th birthday on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thomas would drive us. I replied yes with pleasure.
Thomas and I made a plan to leave that Saturday after 4 PM — as soon as Selena got home from her…