They were forced apart by illness and misadventure – but now Richard and Margaret Grigson of Rockingham, WA, are together again at the aged care home where they used to work.
The 84-year-old couple, who met when they were just 11 years old and have been married since the age of 23, could no longer care for each other at home after Richard suffered a stroke last year and Margaret fractured a vertebra soon after.
Daughter Michelle Markham said Richard stayed for a while in respite care at Baptistcare Gracehaven in Rockingham while Margaret was in transitional care in Kwinana – but not for long.
“A place came up at Baptistcare Gracehaven and with luck it was across the hallway from Dad’s room! Now they both call Gracehaven home. They’re together again.
“They have both been moving into 2022 with a new world ahead. Dad has been enjoying the company of others, taking bus trips and playing pool at the men’s club and Mum is making new friends and finding new ones moving in too,” she said.
Richard and Margaret are now spending time together again at Gracehaven, where they both used to work in the late 90s – Richard as a carer and maintenance manager, and Margaret in the dining room and as a lifestyle coordinator – and Ahna Paddon, Manager Residential Care at the home, says it’s “wonderful” the couple has been reunited.
“Our team loves to find ways to help partners like Richard and Margaret maintain their connection and continue to share special rituals and pastimes together.
“It’s also lovely that their extended families can come and spend time with them in their new home,” she said.
We love a happy ending – congratulations, Margaret and Richard.
