Sometimes, things just aren't meant to happen.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (53646)
January 21, 2026 12:00pm CST
This old girl had a birthday last Saturday. No big deal, right? I mean...we all have birthdays, some are better than others. But Saturday the weather and the roads were not very good, so after a pow wow with daughter and son in law on the phone, we changed it to Wednesday. My son in law is a fantastic cook--he truly is, and I love it when he cooks for the family. I've been psyched up all week about it, and pampering the son to be sure he was well enough to come along with me. He can always rest there at his sister's if he needs to, but he never wants to, as he loves to be part of the time we spend together.
Had a call early from my daughter. Son in law was in the background coughing and sick. He has viral pneumonia and they just got back from spending the night at the ER. If he gets worse, they told him to come back immediately. Well, that's the contagious type, not to mention that he feels really sick. He is worried my daughter will be sick, too, and that if we see him we will get it, so obviously, the birthday is canceled for now.
I'm a big girl and that's fine. The main thing is, that he gets well and hopefully she doesn't catch it, but that may happen. Son's birthday is in early February. I told him when he gets better we can celebrate both birthdays together.
Plans change, the main thing being that everyone is healthy and well. We can celebrate anytime.
15 people like this
13 responses
@FourWalls (82192)
• United States
14h
I’m so sorry they’re sick. It’s no fun to be sick.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
14h
No, it isn’t. And son in law is no moaner, he hates to admit when he’s sick. But he is, so I’m glad he has meds and is warm and he’s resting. Thank you!
3 people like this
@kaylachan (82208)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15h
Yes, that's true. Keeping safe is what's important. I hope the family get well soon.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
15h
When I do get pneumonia, it drags on forever and I sure don't need that. Plus if son gets it, I don't know if I could manage it all, especially if I was sick too. So it's better to wait. I love spending any time at all with them whenever I can, but the main thing is for them to get well and us not to catch it. Thanks, Amber. 
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (491260)
• Italy
3h
I did not know it was your birthday, belated Happy Birthday.
Oh no, I am so sorry for your son in law, I wish him to get well soon, that kind of pneumonia is not nice at all.
Great idea to celebrate together in early February. I know that plans change, but sometimes is a bit depressing.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
27m
Of course there is always a bit of disappointment, but it can't be helped, and I know that they felt badly they had to cancel. But no one can predict when they will get sick, of course. Thank you, Anna, for the birthday wishes!
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
25m
I know there is still so much of the bad flu here as well as other ailments. I have a friend down the street with Covid, and we know that our @FourWalls has been hit by Covid as well. I don't want to be sick, I know it happens but I surely don't want to be. Take care, stay well!
@ogbenishyna44 (1073)
•
32m
I agree, maybe it has to do with destiny or something.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
24m
Plans change sometimes, we all have had to adapt and just go with what works.
@annierose (21916)
• United States
14h
I hope your son-in-law gets better soon and that your daughter stays healthy. Cancelling the birthday party sounds like a wise choice. Health should always come first, and you can celebrate later when everyone can enjoy it safely.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
4h
Exactly right. My daughter is fortunate to honestly have one of the best fellows I have ever met. Her first husband was so wrong and a wolf in sheep’s clothing—he put on a great show in public but was so mean to her. I’m just thankful she has someone to love that truly loves her so much. He’s a keeper, for sure!!
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
4h
Thank you, Judy. Yes, I hope my daughter doesn’t get sick too, too. We will be together when he is well.
@LindaOHio (211402)
• United States
12h
I'm so sorry your SIL is sick and that your birthday party is delayed.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (53646)
•
10h
It’s all good. I can share the special time with my family when it happens, and that’s the best part. Thank you, Linda.
