Reaching the remarkable age of 104 years is an achievement that not many individuals will experience. It’s a milestone that often represents a life filled with memorable moments and the hope that you’ve had a positive impact on those around you. For Gerald, this extraordinary milestone was celebrated not only by his loved ones, but also by countless strangers from all over the world.
Gerald was undoubtedly one, of them and was honored beyond his wildest dreams. It all started when his son Kevin Mills posted on Twitter that his father was 104 years old and asked for birthday wishes. Additionally, Mills posted a sweet photo of his dad. “This is Gerald, my father. He will be 104 on July 12,” Mills tweeted. “Is there any chance I’ll have 104 birthdays on Twitter? He’ll be amazed and confused at the same time. A direct birthday wish has evolved into a sweet thread where individuals have shared birthdays and photos of their loved ones, most of them showing off elderly grandparents.
The tweet attracted a ton of replies and the centenarian received far more birthday wishes than 104. The tweet had nearly 423,000 likes. Adam Hill wrote on a photo of his daughter that he hoped she would live as long as him. “Gerald, happy birthday. This is Flora, my daughter who was born three months early and was 12 weeks premature. Hope she lives to be 104 too,” the post read. Some people sent him pictures of their aging family to congratulate him. “Happy birthday Gerald!” Joanna commented on a photo of her grandmother, who is 101 years old. Your dad and my grandma Bridget will be 101 this year. Hats off and many, many happy returns to these two extremely unique centenarians and everyone else here!” Someone else sent a photo of their little grandchild along with the message: “Cheers Gerald! A toast to us, July 12th is also my birthday! Being extra adorable, according to my new granddaughter, is the key to a long life, but judging by your photo, I don’t believe they need to tell you that.
This is my dad, Gerald. He turns 104 on 12 July. Any chance I can muster 104 happy birthdays from Twitter? He’ll be amazed and baffled in equal measure. pic.twitter.com/0dv65FQ9Yk
— Kevin Mills (@bravenewmalden) July 4, 2022
Star Wars star Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, wrote “For Gerald” and posted a cake emoji. Even English actor and comedian Stephen Fry joined in on the fun, posting: “Happy birthday Gerald! xx” Another individual wished Gerald and posted a picture of himself with his grandmother and her sister. “Can we please get 104 likes for my 104 year old sister Tina and 105 likes for my 105 year old grandma Mary on the left? This is from my visit with them today when they were both living independently in their own homes.” .
A straightforward tweet became a campaign and was even broadcast on the radio. He began the tweet, “Happy Birthday Gerald from 94.5 KHI in Ocean City, MD,” before linking to a clip of the host discussing it on the radio. Sharon Steed posted a picture of her late father lounging on the sofa with a cute puppy. Gerald, Happy Birthday! My father lived to be 86 (seen here with my dog Washington before he died this Christmas) and would talk you into eating the whole cake with him today.
Even the newspaper distribution of Gerald’s birthday was done by one person.
The celebration was a testament to the enduring power of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of honoring the wisdom and experience of our elders.
Happy 104th birthday, Gerald, and may your story continue to inspire generations to come.
Wow happy 104 th Birthday to your dad all the best