Ken Benbow is among the millions missing their loved ones in quarantine, but he’s yearned for his wife’s presence long before the novel coronavirus pandemic.
In 2019, the World War II veteran lost Ada, his love of 71 years. He’s slept with a framed photo of her ever since – until one of his caregivers, Kia Tobin, decided to surprise him with something even better.
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The 94-year-old lives at Thistleton Lodge, a senior care facility in Lancashire, England. So does 17-year-old Kia, who temporarily moved in to help care for residents during the pandemic.
She knows how hard Ada’s death has been for Ken, so one day, she presented him with a beautiful gift: a pillow with Ada’s photo on it! Ken couldn’t help breaking down the moment he saw it, and thousands have joined him since Thistleton posted a video of his sweet surprise online.
“We know our residents are missing their loved ones at this time, but let’s not forget those who sadly aren’t here with us anymore,” they wrote on Facebook. “Today, one of our lovely staff, Kia Mariah Tobin, gave Ken a pillow with his beloved wife on who we also cared for. Safe to say we all shed a tear with Ken today.”
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The lovebirds met decades ago after Ken left the Navy and moved to Liverpool. They shared a dance, fell in love, and got engaged a few months later.
“Ada was the most wonderful, most caring wife,” Ken told BBC Breakfast. “We were married for 71 years, and it broke my heart when she left me, but now I’ve got her every night in my arms.”
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Since moving into Thistleton, Ken said he’s been treated with nothing but love, especially from Kia.
“I came here to this lovely home, where they are, every one of them, marvelous and so caring,” he told Good Morning Britain. “They don’t see you wanting for anything.”
As for Kia’s gift, he called it “the most precious thing anyone could ever wish for.”
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What a thoughtful gesture! It’s obvious that Kia cares deeply for the people she works with. We know Ken will cherish her gift and his wonderful memories of Ada.
Watch Ken’s emotional reaction to his sweet surprise in the video below, and share the love with your friends. For more stories of goodness and hope, check out the Coronavirus Good News Dashboard.
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