It’s a birthday like no other for Anita Troop, who is turning 100 years old on Sunday.
Since last week, she said she’s received about 100 cards from strangers from around the world wishing her a happy birthday.
“They say I’ve joined the triple-digit club,” she said with a laugh.
“I look back and I had no idea that I would ever live this long. And still, it hasn’t really penetrated my mind that it’s a century,” Troop added.
She spent the days leading up to her birthday reading mailed-in cards with a bright smile on her face — some sent in from places as far as Norway.
“I’ve never experienced anything in my life like this. So many people writing and giving their best wishes. [It’s] so kind and I appreciate every one,” Troop said.
It was her great niece’s idea — Marina Miller made a call on social media last week not expecting much, but within days, the cards started pouring in.
“It’s incredible to see the effort all across the board. People [taking] the time to get a card, to write something, to get a stamp … it’s the entire thought. People have made them by hand, whether they’ve purchased them or not, it’s just the time to think of somebody else,” Miller said.
They still haven’t gone through all the cards and more keep coming in.
“As a larger family, she’s incredibly special to us and it’s just another way to make her feel as special as feel about her,” Miller explained.
The family plans to send out thank you cards in the coming weeks and have a small celebration with family and friends on Sunday.
As for Troop’s birthday wish this year — she hopes to spend the rest of her days making people happy.
Tahmina Aziz
