Lawrence Stiles, a resident of Moncton, celebrated his 104th birthday in a special way this year. Stiles, who turned 100 years old in 2020, had his celebrations dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic in the following years. To make his 104th birthday memorable, Stiles’ family decided to ask the public for help in sending him 104 birthday cards to match his age. The family purchased newspaper advertisements and utilized social media to spread the word about their request.
The response to the birthday card request exceeded expectations, with Stiles receiving a total of 160 cards. Stiles’ granddaughter, Susan Linkletter, mentioned that the family was surprised to receive cards from outside New Brunswick, showing Stiles how special he is to many people. The cards came from various sources, including longtime neighbors and elementary school students from across New Brunswick. Stiles expressed his gratitude for the kind gesture, calling it “wonderful.”
Stiles’ daughter-in-law, Judy Stiles, was delighted by the outpouring of support from near and far. She mentioned that each card brought a smile to Stiles’ face, showing just how loved he is by everyone he meets. Stiles, who grew up during the Great Depression in the village of Petitcodiac, N.B., was surprised by the number of cards he received and jokingly mentioned the cost of each card. Despite his humble nature, Stiles expressed his appreciation for the good wishes sent his way.
Looking ahead to his next birthday, Stiles joked that he didn’t expect to be around for it. However, his loved ones hope to keep him nearby and in good health for as long as possible. Stiles plans to take his time reading through all the birthday cards he received, savoring each well-wish from family, friends, and strangers. His granddaughter, Linkletter, expressed her gratitude to everyone who sent a card, noting that Stiles never believed so many people would take the time to send him well-wishes and celebrate his milestones.
Overall, Stiles’ 104th birthday was a heartwarming occasion filled with love and support from all those who know him. Despite his advanced age, Stiles continues to enjoy life in the comfort of his living room chair, offering sage advice for younger generations to stay out of trouble. The celebration of Stiles’ birthday serves as a reminder of the power of community and the joy that comes from connecting with others to mark special occasions.
