Larry Pratt, a 93-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from central Michigan, expressed a simple wish last year: he missed receiving Christmas cards.
This sentiment, shared with his loved ones, sparked a global movement of kindness and connection. Pratt's granddaughter took to Facebook to share his desire, leading to an overwhelming response that continued into Christmas 2023.
"I have a big mailbox, and in two days it was stuffed, full," Pratt joyfully recounted.
A World of Christmas Cards
Pratt's wish transcended borders, bringing together people from across the U.S., Canada, and even Australia.
As of a recent Tuesday afternoon, he had received an astonishing 636 cards, each one unique and special.
"Where am I gonna stick the rest of them?" Pratt humorously wondered, faced with the delightful challenge of finding space for all the cards in his cozy home.
Photo: Nickel
Finding Light in a Difficult Season
Christmas has been a bittersweet time for Pratt since he lost his wife, Norma, in 2012, just before the holidays.
The influx of cards has become a beacon of light during this challenging period. His neighbor, Jared Nickel, has played a significant role in keeping the cards coming, forming a heartwarming bond with Pratt.
Nickel shared,
"We're now at 636 cards, and there's only four duplicates. You can just tell that people wanted to send these cards, and it makes them feel good."
This story of Larry Pratt and the global response to his Christmas wish highlights the power of simple acts of kindness and the joy they can bring, especially during the holiday season.
