Pride month is over; I have notes
As his sixth birthday drew near, my younger son created quite a commotion about it.
His excitement was so immense that he became cheerful a week in advance, counting down each day, reminding everyone that it was “nearly” his birthday, and even proclaiming — repeatedly — that his sibling ought to be particularly kind to him because “my birthday is approaching!” When the day ultimately came, we did all we could to make sure it was everything he evidently wished for.
Picture my astonishment, then, when the following day – with worn-out balloons drifting lazily and the dog dutifully tidying up leftover cake icing scattered around the home — he proclaimed that the festivities ought to carry on since, “It was my birthday yesterday!”
His older sibling, completely irritated, sighed dramatically. I realized the situation and attempted to communicate to the post-party boy, as softly as possible, that the universe wasn’t solely focused on him, and that everyone has their moment of recognition. I can’t recall the precise words, but I probably expressed something extraordinarily thoughtful and empathetic like, “Listen, kid, take a hint and move on. It’s someone else’s special day.”
‘Summer of Pride’
The recollection came back to me as I listened to U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine. suggest a celebratory extension of Pride Month, proclaiming, “Allow the ‘Summer of Pride’ to commence!”