Babies born on Leap Day instantly become part of an exclusive club known as “leaplings.” It’s an extraordinary distinction, considering that less than 0.1 percent of the world’s population shares the privilege of being born on February 29, commonly known as leap day.
So, what makes Leap Day so special? This occurrence happens only once every four years, serving as a corrective measure to keep the calendar in sync with Earth’s orbit around the Sun, as explained by History.com. While our modern calendar comprises 365 days, the actual time Earth takes to complete its orbit is slightly longer—approximately 365.2421 days.
For those born on Leap Day, there might be a sense of occasional disappointment, realizing they only get to celebrate their actual birthday every four years. Despite this, most leaplings embrace their uniqueness with enthusiasm and revel in the special distinction that sets them apart.
Leap Day 2024 is Extra Special for Mary Lea Forsythe of Oklahoma, Who, at 100, Has Celebrated Only 25 Birthdays
Leap Day 2024 is extra special for Mary Lea Forsythe, an Oklahoman who’s lived a century but celebrated only 25 birthdays.
Born on February 29, 1924, Mary Lea shares that her family always made a point to acknowledge her birthday, even when it didn’t show up on the calendar. This year, her community went all out to make sure her “25th birthday” and 100 years of life received the recognition they deserved.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Mary Lea walked into her local library expecting to speak to a group of National Society Daughters of the Revolution members. To her surprise, the room was filled with flashing lights, cameras, and dignitaries from the city. A proclamation was read, and the whole event left her utterly shocked.
Her hometown paper, The Sand Springs Leader, highlighted Mary Lea’s incredibly blessed and happy life.
Mary Lea and her husband, Bill, were married for an impressive 68 years until his passing in 2011. They met in high school, bonding over their shared love for music. She recalls hearing his laughter and instantly knowing he was the one.
The couple, who had two children born 22 months apart, created beautiful memories while traveling and performing together.
“My husband played the harmonica, and he was a wonderful singer. I played the mandolin, and we would sing,” Mary Lea reminisces.
Beyond music, Bill and Mary Lea also shared a strong faith, something she attributes to her happy life.
Recalling the day she embraced Christianity, she says, “So I went to the front, knelt at the altar, asked Jesus to come into my heart… then I went back to my seat and sat down. I’ve never regretted it. It’s been a wonderful life.”
