Tacoma girl gets a special 11th birthday party despite coronavirus restrictions
In early March, planning began for Anna Rosati’s 11th birthday party. There would be cooking — she’s an accomplished kid chef — a sleepover and, of course, lots of friends at her North End Tacoma home.
By the time her birthday rolled around Monday, those plans had changed drastically.
After Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee announced guidelines on social distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Anna’s parents, Chris and Kelly Rosati, decided a less ambitious version would suffice.
“Something small and safe,” Kelly said.
The coronavirus then became a crisis. On March 16, Inslee announced a complete ban on social gatherings.
“After that announcement was made, we knew it wasn’t possible to have family or friends over,” Kelly said.
Anna cried when she learned her party had been canceled.
“I thought it was unfair,” Anna said.
Anna was old enough to understand the science behind social distancing — the practice of keeping at least six feet apart from other people to prevent the inhalation of the virus that can lead to COVID-19.
“I don’t want to get the coronavirus or give it to someone, like my grandparents,” Anna said.
Still, it’s cold comfort for a girl who, like other 10-year-olds, keeps a busy social calendar filled with her friends’ birthday parties. She couldn’t even comprehend how anyone has the authority to cancel a birthday party.
“I didn’t believe her at first,” Anna said of her mother’s announcement.
“It’s so new for everyone. It is shocking. But we’ve had time to digest it (as adults),” Kelly said. “But for kids, they don’t fully understand.”
Inspired by others who are doing the same, Kelly sent out an electronic invitation, asking friends to gather outside the Tacoma family’s North End home at 7 p.m. Make some noise, spread some cheer. All while following social distancing guidelines.
“Let’s bring them to us, but in a safe way,” Kelly said. “Where she could see them and still feel the love.”
On Monday night, Anna insisted on making both the main dish and her birthday cake for a family-only gathering which included sister Clara, 13, and brother Leo, 7.
She got a Gabb cellular phone, a so-called safe phone for children that doesn’t have internet access.
Shortly before 7 p.m., Anna noticed a lot of whispering between her mother and Leo, a boy not skilled at keeping secrets.
“We saw some people from school, and my mom’s like, ‘Oh look it, go outside, Anna’,” she recounted.
A family had gathered, holding a banner with “Happy Birthday Anna” inscribed on it. Soon a small and properly distanced crowd had gathered on a grassy triangle.
Some friends drove by and honked. Others held signs and balloons. One friend dressed as a chicken and danced.
The group sang “Happy Birthday” to Anna, who watched it all from her front lawn filled with plastic pink flamingos and her immediate family.
“I thought it was really cool and a lot of fun,” Anna said.
