The most enjoyable part of the day for Donald Driesen is consistently receiving the mail.
So, as his 98th birthday approached on July 21, his daughter-in-law, Kathy Curran, came up with an idea.
Dad always asks, ‘What’s in the mail? Anything for me?’ and I respond, ‘No, nothing so far,'” Curran said. “I just logged onto Facebook, and I mentioned, ‘Friends will probably send him a card, you know.’
Curran shared in the “Norwood Now” community Facebook group, asking anyone with a little free time to send a birthday card to her cherished father-in-law.
Curran did not anticipate the reaction from the community and further afield.
Oh, my goodness. It was unbelievable. It was wild,” Curran said. “It was as if the cards arrived. They arrived in groups. And more groups. And even more groups.
Over three hundred birthday cards—still arriving—are coming from throughout Massachusetts and as far away as Texas and Colorado.
Driesen, who relocated to his family’s home in his hometown of North Dartmouth last year, was astonished by the overwhelming display of affection.
They took the time to send me a card. That really makes me feel good,” said a grateful Driesen. “Usually, no one shows much interest in older people, but many do.
Five young girls—sisters and cousins—personally handed over their handwritten cards. They read them out loud, presented Mr. Driesen with friendship bracelets, and sang for him.
I arrived, and the room was full of young girls. I wondered, ‘What’s happening?’” Driesen remarked. “I hadn’t anticipated that at all. These young girls were truly stunning.
The Kraft Foundation sent a cap, while others provided scratch tickets and containers of chocolates. A chef brought the finest blueberry pie Driesen has ever tasted.
[Dad] said, ‘It’s amazing. It’s the best birthday ever,'” Curran shared about her father-in-law’s response. “It’s wonderful for him. And when you’re 98, love—that’s what he needs, he just needs love.
As Driesen approaches his big 100th birthday, he isn’t certain this one can be surpassed.
“I don’t believe it could be any larger than what I’ve just experienced,” Driesen stated.
Download the Free Boston 25 News Application for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News onFacebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News Live
