Sometimes, things just aren't meant to happen.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (55725)
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.
17 people like this
15 responses
@FourWalls (83725)
• United States
21 Jan
I’m so sorry they’re sick. It’s no fun to be sick.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
21 Jan
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 (83472)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Jan
Yes, that's true. Keeping safe is what's important. I hope the family get well soon.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
21 Jan
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
@celticeagle (186393)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Jan
Nice when families can mingle their birthdays together. Sometimes it's even more fun than having them separately. I hope SIL is feeling better soon and that your daughter doesn't get it. Viral pneumonia is awful. I had it once years ago and it's no fun. Took forever to get to where I even felt a live.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (186393)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Jan
@MarieCoyle .......that's a bummer. It's hard for the rest of the family not to catch a virus once one has it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
25 Jan
Unfortunately, daughter has it now. He is getting better. We won't get to see them until they are a lot better.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
26 Jan
@celticeagle I know, it’s not good that they are both down with it, but they are determined to not pass it to us. I know for my son to get it would by very bad.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (494978)
• Italy
22 Jan
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
@LadyDuck (494978)
• Italy
26 Jan
@MarieCoyle - I feared that your daughter would have also got the pneumonia. I hope she will also feel better soon.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
22 Jan
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!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
25 Jan
@LadyDuck
He says he is starting to feel better. Daughter has it now as well. I imagine it will be a week or two before we can see them, they do not want to infect us with it. Thanks, Anna.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215860)
• United States
21 Jan
I'm so sorry your SIL is sick and that your birthday party is delayed.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215860)
• United States
22 Jan
@MarieCoyle You're very welcome. Cousin #2 will be gone by the time my birthday rolls around; and I will spend it alone. Sigh.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
25 Jan
@LindaOHio
It would be nice if the new lady worker would take you some places to maybe meet some people. A senior center for a game day? Something like that?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
21 Jan
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.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21955)
• United States
21 Jan
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
@annierose (21955)
• United States
26 Jan
@MarieCoyleI am glad that she found Mr. Right! God is so good, and He never wants His children to suffer a lot..
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
22 Jan
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!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
22 Jan
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!
2 people like this
@noni1959 (12677)
• United States
23 Jan
@MarieCoyle So far, I'm not catching the flu but had something the other day that was similar to a stomach bug. I got real sick last year since I'm afraid my granddaughters more. These two are not home schooled so bring home the germs.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (21673)
• United States
27 Jan
Sorry he's sick and you can't celebrate your birthday. Happy Belated Birthday!! My mother has a birthday this Thursday.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
28 Jan
I hope your mother has a nice birthday! We are going to have a birthday dinner next week, so it' all good. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
22 Jan
Thank you, Judy. Yes, I hope my daughter doesn’t get sick too, too. We will be together when he is well.
1 person likes this
@ogbenishyna44 (1241)
•
22 Jan
I agree, maybe it has to do with destiny or something.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55725)
•
22 Jan
Plans change sometimes, we all have had to adapt and just go with what works.
1 person likes this
