Birthdays still happen, whether the world likes it or not

Saturday, April 11, is Valarie Miller’s 75th birthday. 

Jacob Penick – people Editor

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Miller’s a Grand Junction local, born and raised. This is her home. It’s also home to her huge extended network of family and friends. Her two daughters live here, their families, her sister, her sister’s kids, the list goes on. Miller has matriarch energy. 

Naturally, these deeply rooted family branches are excited to celebrate another year in a wonderful life. Or, at least, normally they would be. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, gatherings of more than six people are absolutely not an option. But this family is not about to allow this birthday to go un-celebrated. 

Cars start to trickle into the meeting place, an empty lot around the corner from Miller’s house. Each car has some sort of decoration; a “Happy Birthday Valarie!” banner here, some balloons there. Miller’s daughter, Lori Fay, hops from car to car, greeting loved ones from a safe distance. She informs everyone of the plan.

Before long, the empty lot seems full of birthday celebrators. Fay said there were about 13 cars and 26 people in total. 26 people who care enough to dress up and make signs only to drive by someone’s house.

The cars line up at the edge of the lot and pull out. As they round the corner into Miller’s neighborhood, they see her standing, hand over mouth, at the top of the driveway. 

“I was blown away when I saw the cars coming towards me and recognized the cars with family and friends displaying signs, balloons, and loving waves,” said Miller. “I felt the love and care that they all gave to me. Especially amazing that several of them came a considerable distance to share their love.” 

Kids leaned out of windows, masks on, waving and trying to reach their grandmother with their birthday wishes. Someone was playing happy birthday at full volume from their car speakers. Sunroofs had people pouring out of them. Windows were down, horns were honking, all while Miller stood wide-eyed and happy at the top of her driveway. “I was not embarrassed, but grateful that I was wearing something presentable,” said Miller with a smile. 

Miller’s daughter was overjoyed to make the best of a bad situation for her mom. “It was a total surprise!” said Fay. “She usually hates surprises, but she was grateful for this one.” The cars circled back and made another pass. An unfathomable collection of smiles and good energy during a time when smiles and good energy are hard to come by. 

Miller’s nephew, Jeremy Mattingley, came up with this whole idea to begin with. “When our family did a (Zoom) call two weeks ago, my mom wasn’t able to figure out how to get online and join so she missed out,” said Mattingley. “The call was fun but it missed the personal touch of at least being able to see people. I believe that the drive-by parties show effort, especially for those who are not tech savvy.”

These people put forth massive effort just to see a smile on the face of a loved one. 

“It warmed my heart and validated the importance of being a loving caring person,” said Valarie. “I hope that makes sense. I just believe that we should each do our best to make this life a joy and a better place for each other.”