Around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has prevented many family members and loved ones from seeing each other. One group that has been particularly isolated are senior citizens, and even more so, senior citizens living in nursing homes. As the world slowly reopens and families can see one another again, no story is quite as heartwarming as this couple married for 70 years, being reunited after months apart. (1)
Couple Married for 70 Years Reunited
89-year old Jean Willard was finally reunited with her 91-year old husband Walter after being forced apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A wonderful display of true love after 70 years of marriage, the couple could not stop kissing and hugging each other after several months apart.
Both of the Walters were in good health up until last year when Jean had a bad fall and broke her hip. It was then discovered that she also had some signs of dementia. (1)
Jean moved into the nursing home around the corner from their home in Troy, New York. Walter visited her every single day, usually spending his entire day there until she went to bed. (1)
Read: The Heartwarming, Seven-Decade Love Story of Preble and Isabell Staver
Separated by the Pandemic
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the home was forced to impose strict rules that did not allow any visitors into the home. This included Walter. When he was no longer coming to see her, Jean cried. She missed him terribly and asked for him constantly. (1)
Walter didn’t fare much better.
“He went downhill so quickly when he couldn’t see her,” their daughter Wendy said.
Walter also had a bad fall. This fall caused a brain bleed, which meant he had to have surgery and then go through rehabilitation. (1)
Read: After her husband died from COVID-19, she found an emotional goodbye note on his phone
A Desperate Plea
Wendy and her siblings were scared. With both of their parents at such advanced ages and suffering from health complications, they were worried that something terrible would happen when they were apart. Wendy wrote a letter to the director of the home asking for help. (1)
“I told him what we were afraid of. We’re afraid we’re going to lose one of them and they’re never going to have seen each other again. And I asked, ‘Is there anything you can do? We’re willing to take the risk, my dad is willing to take the risk,’” Willard said. “He immediately called me and said absolutely we want to do this for you!” (1)
An Emotional Reunion
Staff members at the home were sure to capture the couple’s reunion on video. Upon seeing her husband, Jean cried out “Oh honey! I’m so happy to see you!” They clasped each others’ hands, hugged, kissed, and embraced each other. (1)
Jean began crying almost immediately. When Walter asked if she was okay, she said “No, I missed you!”. (1)
The pair are now sharing a room at the home so they no longer have to be kept apart. Jean and Walter are an incredible example that true love lasts forever.
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