Grandma Who Had To Spend 88th Birthday Alone Sings 'Happy Birthday' To Herself In Video

Apr 10, 2020

Despite most countries being under lockdown right now, families are finding alternative ways to be with their loved ones amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Norma Gregotio is one of many who have been forced to spend their birthdays alone as social distancing continues to be the norm. The grandma couldn’t be with her beloved family on her special day, so she sent them a video of herself singing Happy Birthday. Her 22-year-old granddaughter Jessica Kerrigan was touched by the video and uploaded it to TikTok, where it has since gone viral. 

Although Gregotio was forced to spend the day alone, her family wanted to make sure she got a little something so she knows she’s special. According to ABC News, they sent her a (non-edible) cake made out of colorful flowers. 

"[Our family] sent her a flower cake from 1-800-Flowers. She was very appreciative and she just decided to record herself singing 'Happy Birthday,' and emailed it to me and my family," Kerrigan said.

"It was just the cutest thing, and I decided to post it. I didn't think anything would come of it,” she added.

Kerrigan took to TikTok to upload the video of her grandmother singing Happy Birthday to herself earlier this week, and it has since gone viral with over 9 million views. 

"It's my birthday today, and I'm alone because of the virus,” Gregorio is heard saying in the video. 

Speaking to ABC News, Gregotio said she was disappointed that the cake wasn’t edible. When asked why she sang to herself, she replied, 

"It was my birthday and I was here by myself. My granddaughter and daughter sent me a cake.” 

 "I decided to [record myself singing] because I know how to do it. I'm 88, but I can Skype, WhatsApp and TikTok."

Do you know anybody who has had to celebrate their birthday in self-isolation? Let us know in the comments – and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!