One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
LA Diary: The Pandemic Shipwrecked Their Pirate Party, So Mom Planned A Parade
Mason's favorite birthday present? Beyblades. (Mayelle Nguyen )
We're collecting audience stories about what it's like to live in Los Angeles during a pandemic. You can share your story here.
Mason Nguyen's fifth birthday was going to be pirate-themed.
Doctors are treating his amblyopia -- or lazy eye -- with a patch, and the theme was a chance for all his friends to match his appearance for the day.
A generous neighbor lent his boat to bolster the day's nautical theme. (Mayelle Nguyen )
His mom, Mayelle, said the questions began on April 1.
"Is today my birthday?"
- No, not yet.
"It's my birthday?"
- No, not yet.
Sponsored message
"My birthday party. Is it coming?"
- No, not yet.
She held out until the last minute before canceling the party. A friend suggested she plan a celebratory parade outside their West Covina home.
When Mayelle posted to a neighborhood Facebook group, someone offered to lend their boat as a prop for the day.
Hear an audio diary from the parade.
After the now-familiar technical difficulties of Zoom ("You're on mute"), Mason blew out the candles on his candy-filled treasure birthday cake in front of family and friends in Canada, Colorado and the Philippines.
"Where those people would not normally be able to participate, they were able to call in and be part of the whole thing," Mayelle said.
Mason's sisters agreed it was the best birthday party ever.
Sponsored message
And now, Mayelle said: "They all want a parade for their parties."
SHARE YOUR STORY:
- In English: Let's Keep A Diary Together: What's It Like For You In The Time Of Coronavirus?
- In Spanish: Ayúdenos A Contar Las Historias Personales De Esta Pandemia
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
