To most people, birthdays mean celebrating another year and the chance to make life more memorable and meaningful.
However, to some, birthdays are dreaded days because of an additional number in their age.
Blowing an additional candle on her birthday cake is neither an issue nor a problem to Essie Liles Perry, the oldest resident in Lawndale Manor.
Born in 1903 in Halifax County, Perry celebrates her 106th birthday not just with her friends and family but with the whole community.
She made Garner her home when she moved in 1945 and married Eustace R.
Perry.
Their union was blessed with three children.
And to date, she enjoys the company, warmth and love of her growing family with nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
To the birthday girl, blessings in life are way more important that the birthday candles on her cake.
As it is, she enjoys the love of her family and the community as well.
For four years now, Mayor Ronnie Williams dedicates September 16 as a special day in honor of Perry.
The family, along with Lawndale Manor residents and Town Council members, offered a toast for her long life.
Marianna Robertson from Lawndale Activity Department expressed that Perry always gave them a reason to celebrate and enjoy life.
Among Perry's legacies, aside from her family, are the wisdom, life's lessons, and inspirations that she imparts with people around her.
Mark Allen, Perry's grandson, shares that his grandmother is his source of inspiration.
He also shared that one of the important lessons that she taught him is independence, a lesson that he treasures now.
He said that being a 5th sibling means having four older sisters to care for him, and the one that taught him how to hold a cup was his grandmother.
Aside from being a good mother, grandmother and great-great grandmother to her family, Perry also shared her services to the community, especially to teaching.
She had been an educator for 40 years and a volunteer for more than 23 years.
And as her tribute to the community that loves her, Perry has written a prayer for the Lawndale Community and such has been printed with a photo of her hands.
Celebrations like this can be made more special with the aroma of aromatherapy essential oils and the flicker of all organic candles.
Happy birthday to Essie Liles Perry and may she have more years ahead.