Family, friends, strangers send scores of birthday cards to 90-year-old Sask. woman
Germaine McLaughlin's 90th birthday celebration wasn't typical.
The pandemic meant there was no opportunity for a large party, but McLaughlin's daughter Cathy Arndt had an idea. She posted on social media asking for people to send Germaine — or "Gerry" — cards.
Because of the post, the 90-year-old spent almost all day on Jan. 20 opening cards and receiving flowers from family, friends and complete strangers.
"I never thought I'd reach the age of 90 really," McLaughlin said from her home in Weyburn, Sask.
"It's quite nice to be acknowledged and just know that somebody's thinking about you," she said. "I'm pretty happy about this … pretty surprised."
Arndt said she wasn't expecting to get that much for her mother's birthday, then people started sharing the post, including people outside of Saskatchewan.
"Boy, the cards just started coming in," Arndt said. "And every day there was 10 or more cards coming in the mail."
"The final count is 91 but it sounds like there's many more on their way to my mom."
Cards came in from across Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and one from Germany.
"It was overwhelming," Arndt said. "So much love."
Arndt said people may have gotten on board because it gave them something positive to dwell on.
"With hearing of so many deaths with COVID, it's just such a positive thing to think about."
"We have to make the best of everything nowadays. We could be down and out about it all. But really, you have to look at the silver lining and the goodness in the world."
Arndt said people shouldn't underestimate the kindness out there in the country.
McLaughlin said on her special day she's feeling the love.
"Thank you for everything," McLaughlin said. "And for my good wishes."
