Family Records Messages for Baby’s 21st Birthday—Now She Finally Sees Them

A family has recently gifted a woman pre-recorded birthday messages from two decades ago to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Back in 2004, Ella Gleeson was christened, and a family friend thought it would be a good idea to record individual messages from her immediate family. Back then, the internet was around, but “viral content” was unheard of—so the family is shocked to see their tape-recorded clips have recently racked up 257,800 views on TikTok.

Gleeson, a digital marketing student, told Newsweek: “I felt emotional and extremely grateful to still have majority of the family members shown still here with me.”

The clip, captioned: “On my 21st birthday today I was lucky enough to have messages from 21 years ago to watch,” includes footage from her mom, dad, grandparents, and aunt. They all gathered on March 2 to watch it.

“My favorite part was seeing my nanny (the first one in the video) as she passed away when I was only three,” said Gleeson, from Dublin, Ireland. “It was amazing to be able to see a message from her! My nana was quite emotional seeing herself too.”

In the video, which has amassed 32,000 likes, her family members can be heard sharing heartfelt, humorous, and cheeky messages:

• Dad, Stewart Gleeson, now 48, says: “I hope you have as good a day on your 21st as you did today—but unfortunately, you won’t remember it.”
• Mom, Linda Hickey, 49, playfully says, “You let me down by crying at the church, you little brat. You’re normally very good—why did you do that to me?”
• Uncle, Ritchie Gleeson, 50, says: “Ella, be an extrovert, keep dancing like no one is watching, and always be happy.”
• Nanny, Francis Gleeson, who passed away age 57 in 2007: “I loved you from the minute I saw you. We had a lovely day at your christening. I hope you have a long and happy life.” She cheekily adds, “Get a fella with loads of money.”
• Grandad, Thomas Gleeson, 74, keeps it short and sweet: “Happy 21st birthday, granddaughter.”
• Godmother/aunty, Lisa Hickey, 53, says: “Drink loads of gin and watch out for the men—they’re all weirdos. Be very careful.”
• Other grandad, Des Hickey, 77, jokingly says: “I will say, can you help me up out of my wheelchair?”
• Second nana, Phil Hickey, 76, adds: “Stay away from the men and behave yourself.”

This mix of loving advice, humor, and nostalgia made the messages even more special for Ella on her milestone birthday.

According to a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) survey of 1,008 adults, women are more likely than men (67 percent to 43 percent) to believe people should never stop making a big deal about celebrating their own birthdays. Men are more likely than women (26 percent to 9 percent) to believe people should stop at ages 21 or under, although a plurality of men say people should never stop.

The comments section indicate users would love a priceless gift like this to celebrate their milestone.

“No amount of money could buy a gift like this! How lucky are you! This is an incredible idea! Thank you for sharing!” said one user, and another agreed: “You are so lucky to be loved like this.”

“Whoever thought of this is a genius. Way ahead of its time,” praised a third commenter.

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