A Grandmother’s Poem Reassures Us With Humor And Grace

This year my grandfather turned 90 and my family planned to celebrate with a big birthday bash. But then the coronavirus pandemic came. Plans were canceled, and a general anxiety about the health of the older generation exploded all over the world.

An NPR photojournalist’s grandfather’s 90th birthday party, canceled due to COVID-19, inspired a poem — and his vow to stay 89.

(Image credit: LA Johnson/NPR)

An NPR photojournalist’s grandfather’s 90th birthday party, canceled due to COVID-19, inspired a poem — and his vow to stay 89.