Woman celebrates 2nd golden birthday: ‘I don’t know where those 106 years went’

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR/Gray News) - A “golden birthday” is the birthday that someone turns the same age as the date they were born.

For example, someone born July 5 would celebrate their golden birthday on their fifth birthday.

One woman from Bismarck, North Dakota, is celebrating her second golden birthday.

Hulda Erdman turned 106 on July 6. She was born on July 6, 1918.

Erdman doesn’t have a lot to say. She’d rather let her music speak for her.

“I love music,” Erdman said.

Music has always been a big part of Erdman’s life. She taught herself to play the piano by watching her brother play, but she doesn’t read music.

“That’s all in my head,” Erdman said after playing a song on the piano in the chapel at Baptist Health and Rehab, where she lives. “My arms got tired. They said, ‘Enough is enough, Grandma!’”

Although she doesn’t play as much as she used to, this is still her happy place.

Sitting at the piano, it’s easy to lose track of time, but that’s been the story of her life. Erdman still can’t believe she’s turning 106.

“I don’t know where those 106 years went,” she said.

She’s not sure what the secret to a long life is, but she said music might play a role.

“Well, my dear, there is no secret. My Lord has just made me that old,” Erdman explained. “Singing in the choir and all that kind of stuff.”

That’s why, after all these years, Erdman still finds joy at the piano, where she continues to prove age is just a number.

Erdman doesn’t have any big plans for her birthday. She said maybe she’ll have even more.

Aside from a few aches and pains from arthritis, Erdman said she’s pretty healthy.

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