Being absent from a loved one, particularly one who has been with you for decades, is never easy! When you marry someone, you make a commitment to be with them through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. Yet, there are certain situations beyond your control, and you may be forced to remain apart.
For Lewis Tunnicliffe, 84, and his wife, Barbara, 81, the COVID-19 epidemic isolated families for months, which was a devastating reality. Barbara was required to be placed in a care facility after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease so that she could receive the essential care she required.
Lewis would visit his wife at the nursing home once a week, embracing her and offering her his love in every way he could. But, when the COVID-19 epidemic hit, his weekly visits altered, and a glass screen constantly separated him from Barbara.
Lewis and Barbara missed each other throughout their months apart. It was the longest time they had ever been apart. They had only been separated for a handful of days since their marriage in 1960.
Lewis was reconnected with his wife eight months after being separated and no longer needed to view her via a glass screen—and the moment they hugged each other again was a tear-jerking but encouraging moment to all those around them.
Lewis, who had dementia and was having difficulty caring for himself at home, was finally placed in the same care home as his wife, as determined by his family. While it was best for him, one of the main reasons he joined the care home was to be with his wife Barbara, whom he would eventually be with.
Lewis approached Barbara, who was sitting in her chair, on the day of their reunion.
The former car dealer was in tears as he bent down and kissed his wife passionately on the lips, both of them warmly embracing each other’s faces. It was the long-awaited reunion, and it was all and more than they could have hoped for.
Lewis and Barbara met in 1958 and married in 1960. They had two daughters and four grandkids together, and worked as a car salesman and a nurse, respectively, until their retirement.
Their kids were overjoyed that they were no longer separated, and one of their daughters, Sam Jackson, requested that the care home employees videotape their long-awaited reunion. Sam revealed that her father couldn’t sleep the night before his reunion with Barbara because he was so anxious.
Lewis was concerned since he didn’t know if Barbara would recognize him. He even went out of his way to shave and dress neatly for their first encounter in a long time. He described the emotional reunion as like having their first date all over again.
Not only Lewis was preparing for the reunion. Despite the fact that Barbara had no idea Lewis was coming, the girls at the care home made her look her best by fixing her hair and nails.
Lewis and Barbara have never been apart since that day. They spend every day together, eating, sitting, and holding hands.
The adorable pair inspires the care home workers, who note that moments like these are one of the greatest elements of nursing care. Lewis and Barbara now have their own happily ever after!
The Tunnicliffes reunited at Tunstall House ❤️ (Lewis has moved in Tunstall House, where his wife Barbara lives) at Bradwell Hall (they have not seen each other since June)
Posted by Bradwell Hall Nursing Home Ltd, 01782 636935 on Friday, 5 February 2021
