For most of us, 2020 was our hardest year. And what made it even more difficult was that we had to separate from our loved ones. Holidays weren't the same, and it was hard finding comfort when family was so far away. But it was especially hard for 97-year-old Margaret Louise Baldwin Bigler and 96-year-old Joseph Andrew Bigler, who've been happily married for 73 years.
When you're with someone that long, you've officially reached soul mate status. Unfortunately, Joseph and Margaret feared they'd never see each other again after separating on April 7, 2020. Margaret had to go to the hospital, and after that she was admitted to a long-term care facility called HarmarVillage Care Center in Cheswick, Pennsylvania. Due to the coronavirus, she was unable to see her husband.
The staff taped the tearful and sweet reunion. Upon seeing his face, Margaret could only mutter, "Oh my God, oh my God," in complete disbelief that they were once again able to be in the same room together. The video quickly went viral.
It's a reminder that love is real, along with the reminder that the world is starting to make sense once again. Thanks to science, these reunions are now possible. It's unimaginable to think about how Margaret felt in the facility without her life partner by her side.
After being overwhelmed with the sight of her husband, Margaret went in for an embrace — something she hadn't been able to do in months. In the video, you can hear her say, "Thank you, God." Based on the photo taken right afterward, it's doubtful these two will ever be apart again.
While very touching to see, many who viewed the video wondered why they couldn't have reunited after a brief quarantine and testing. It's unclear if they were too high of a risk or what their family decided. "This is bittersweet!" one person commented on Facebook. "It is wonderful that they have been reunited… yet it is horrible that they have been apart with no way to reunite without help from others. I hope and pray I never ever keep someone from being with their love ones."
"Thank you girls," Margaret says to her caretakers. They let her know that Joseph wanted "a couple days to see my honey." Margaret even shared some words with the New York Post, stating, "It had been hard not seeing Joe, and very sad."
Joseph was also happy about finally getting the chance to spend time with his love. "Words cannot describe how it was to be able to hug her again after almost a year," he said. He mentioned that while the pain of being without her was "hell," he knew that the protocols were put in place to keep his wife safe.
The staff were also excited over seeing the two of them together again. "It was a happy day for all," said facility worker Holly Bills. Hopefully, the two were able to keep in touch by letter or over the phone, with constant reassurance that this day would eventually come.
Joseph and Margaret weren't the only couple who finally got to reunite after so many months apart. Yet another adorable viral video features Gordon and Mary from England, who had to be apart until Gordon was able to safely move in with Mary at her care home. Mary reportedly had no idea that she was going to see Gordon that day.
"Our lovely Mary has had a real surprise today," her care home wrote on Facebook. "Her beloved husband Gordon has come to live here at Baily House with her, after not seeing each other for several months, it was certainly a very emotional reunion. Mary can now join Gordon as he isolates in his new room."
More reunions are likely happening every day around the world. Couples who were long-distance or separated due to health concerns can finally be with the ones they love. Everyone has suffered from hardships, but it's good to know that we are finally on the road to recovery.
