A sad birthday party

We attended a birthday party together as a family. Actually, it was a kid's birthday party, the kids were invited, so we tagged along. Time has changed.

It was a very sad moment... it was a kid's birthday party without the parents around (dad was no where to be seen and mum has left very early). The grands were there instead. When the time came to cut the birthday cake, the party host asked if there was camera to take picture of the birthday kid, there was none...no pictures, no parents...no camera just a bunch of kids clelebrating....

Maybe it has become a norm where dual income is a 'want' in the family, where brithdays are celebrated among friends only and the parents just need to foot the bill...maybe I am the old one who is still living in the 'old-fashioned' days where pictures were taken with the birthday child and family...maybe...

I couldn't wait for the party to end because looking at the event gave me a very heavy heart. If we as parents cannot put aside 1 1/2 hour of our time to be present for our child's birthday, then why have it? Not being judgemental...it was a Sunday night and the party only lasted 1 1/2 hours...if indeed there were any unforseen circumstances, then make it just a small family affair.