Patricia Grisafi
An elderly Connecticut couple who have been together for 67 years are celebrating this year’s anniversary with social distancing—but their commitment to each other is reminding folks separated from their loved ones during the pandemic that there are many ways to keep in touch and show their devotion.
Under normal circumstances, Bob Shellard visits his wife Nancy at her nursing home every day. However, in order to keep elderly residents safe from COVID-19 infection, nursing homes in Connecticut are closed to nonessential visits.
In a move reminiscent of the famous scene from Say Anything in which John Cusack holds a radio playing “In Your Eyes” over his head in a gesture of love, Bob stood outside of Laura’s room holding a sign saying, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.”
— Dan 🇺🇸 (@danieltobin) March 16, 2020
The romantic but heart-wrenching image has gone viral on Twitter, with over 240k likes and 52k shares.
Due to coronavirus precaution, Bob Shellard isn't allowed to visit his wife in her Connecticut nursing home. So he stood outside her window and held up a sign that said "I've loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary." https://t.co/cIwZxwmZeN pic.twitter.com/nW86SYm4HU
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) March 16, 2020
“It makes me feel bad because I want her down with me, and I know she can’t be,” Bob said.
When she saw her husband outside, Nancy blew kisses and waved to him.
“I wouldn’t want anybody else,” Bob said. “I don’t think she could put up with anybody else besides me.”
Omg, this broke my heart.
— Felicia Webb (@webbfelicia4) March 16, 2020
*no I will not get upset, no I will not get upset, no I will not get upset. *
— OceanGirl🌍🌎🌏🇺🇸🇦🇺🇬🇧🇮🇪 (@Salacia_sea) March 16, 2020
I’m not crying, you are!
— IKnowAllTheSecrets (@Grandmasecrets) March 16, 2020
Bob and Nancy’s daughter Laura said that she and her three siblings see their parents as “an inspiration.”
“I can only hope that I have half as much as what they have shared over the years.”