91-year-old woman with dementia recognizes husband on their 72nd wedding anniversary
Even through the years, there are just things that we’ll never forget.
One of the most common wishes of people, when they grow older, is the ability not to forget as much, especially their fondest memories.
For a staff member in an elderly care facility, this concern is far too common. As residents age, the capability of their memory shrinks but despite that, she witnessed something truly magical.
Leonard and Shirley Matties have been married for more than 70 years.
Only a few of us could relate or could even imagine the extent of time that was shared by two people who love each other.
When the facility learned about this momentous event, they didn’t think twice. They knew they had to celebrate this milestone.
The staff members planned on throwing a party for the couple.
To help immortalize the occasion, the staff wanted to dress up Shirley so that they can also take some beautiful pictures to remember.
They set up a table for two in one of the corners of the facility. They had flowers and other decorations which included the couple’s old photo.
The only challenge was that Shirley has dementia.
But even as her memory is waning, there’s one thing she never forgets – Leonard and the love he has had for her all these years.
Staff members of the facility were moved when they brought Shirley to their table. They dressed her up in a gorgeous pink dress and Leonard didn’t have a clue.
The moment he saw her emerge from the door, Leonard’s face lit up.
Ardis Behrendsen, one of the staff members at Grace Manor Care Center, shared some photos from the occasion.
She said that Leonard’s reaction to his wife’s appearance was “one of the most beautiful things” she has ever seen. And that’s enough to make any grown person cry.
Behrendsen said it was one of the most unforgettable moments of her career.
“I have been working in long-term healthcare since I was 16.” She said in the Facebook post. “What I got to be a part of today was the most beautiful experience, this amazing couple has been married 72 years today.”
She then went on to share the things she learned from the old couple who, even with the waning memory, never forgot how each other made them feel.
She said that Leonard and Shirley are the perfect examples of what true love is.
She said that they’re the kind of couple who fixed things when they’re broken, not run away from it. They are also the kind of couple who loved each other through the rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges.
Behrendsen said that it was hard to describe the warm feeling they all felt when they shared that moment with Leonard and Shirley.
“It’s days like today that I feel so blessed to do what I do because in the end, love is the only thing that truly matters.” She said, “Thank you Leonard and Shirley for reminding me what life is all about, you are truly an inspiration to me.”
Watch this old man’s reaction when he saw his wife all dolled up for the first time after a long while.
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