A World War II veteran’s nightly routine caught the eye of a caregiver at his Lancashire, England assisted living facility. Her ensuing actions have resulted in a now-viral moment.
Ken Benbow is a 94-year-old resident of Thistleton Lodge and each night, he goes to sleep with a photo of his late wife, Ada, CNN reported.
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On Saturday, Kia Mariah Tobin, who works at the facility, gifted Benbow with a pillow covered with a photo of his departed wife of 71 years, a staff member of the lodge told the news outlet.
"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," read the caption of the Facebook video that has more than 5,000 shares. "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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Tobin's surprise left Benbow clutching the pillow as he cried. Tobin comforted Benbow before he admired the gift and showed others what he received. A smiling Benbow, who the BBC reported served in the Navy during WWII, continued hugging the pillow.
“I thought that might be a bit better than your photograph,” Tobin said in the video.
CNN reported Ada was 93 when she died. Benbow, who was at Normandy on D-Day in 1944, told BBC Breakfast about his wife.
“Ada was the most wonderful, most caring wife,” he said. “When I got the cushion it was the most precious thing I could have wished for. 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.”
