Separated by Coronavirus, Husband Celebrates 67th Anniversary Outside His Wife's Nursing Home
While the whole world is affected by the new measures to counter the coronavirus' contagion, there are still individuals who find creative ways to deal with distance. Bob Shellard did not want to miss his wedding anniversary, despite being separated from his wife. So he decided to do this.
In the middle of coronavirus concerns, retirement homes around the country are not allowing visitors as to not put their residents at risk for potentially contracting – and spreading – the disease.
Because of that, the lonely and frightened elderly are being
separated from their loved ones.
One heart-tugging example is, Bob Shellard, who was recently photographed standing outside of his wife's nursing home window in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
In the photo, he was holding a pretty shimmery homemade sign that read, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.”
The image looks like a homespun valentine, decorated with a big red heart. He was also holding a bouquet of orange, yellow, pink and purple balloons.
A long-lasting love can survive anything
For the first time in their 67 year marriage the Shellards weren't able to celebrate their March 14 anniversary together. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont had signed an order requesting the Department of Public Health restrict visitation at nursing home facilities.
It makes me feel bad because I want her down with me and I know she can’t be.
Bob Shellard to NBC affiliate WNBC in New York.
Looking for something heartwarming to appreciate, social media went wild when the image was shared on Twitter, it quickly went viral with over 52,000 retweets.
Some people compared him to Lloyd Dobler (played by John Cusack) who stood outside Diane Court’s window with a boombox in the 1989 romantic comedy “Say Anything.”
The couple's daughter Laura Mikolajczak told TODAY her dad visited her mother every day up until the COVID-19 precautions went into effect last week.
They have always been an inspiration to us. There's just a sweetness to the two of them and what they share.
Laura Mikolajczak to Today
There is always a way
Difficult times do not mean the end of hope or love. As Bob has showed the world, there is still a way to maintain and nourish our relationships despite the restrictions of self-quarantine and isolation.
We can take his example and make sure to stay connected with our loved ones. What's more, let's find creative ways to do so!
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