53-year-old message in a bottle leads to bittersweet discoveryA 53-year-old message in a bottle found in New Jersey led to a bittersweet discovery and a meaningful reunion. A 53-year-old message in a bottle found in New Jersey led to a bittersweet discovery and a meaningful reunion. A 53-year-old message in a bottle found in New Jersey led to a bittersweet discovery and a meaningful reunion. A 53-year-old message in a bottle found in New Jersey led to a bittersweet discovery and a meaningful reunion. UPPER TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- When she was 9 years old, Laurie Blair set adrift a curious message in a bottle.