Couple Separated By COVID-19 Exchange Their Final Goodbye After 30 Years

Jul 22, 2020 by apost team

JoAnn and Sam Reck were separated from each for four long emotional months due to COVID-19. 90-year-old husband to JoAnn, Sam, just couldn't stay away from his sweetheart and risked his own life just to have the chance to say his final goodbyes to his wife of 30 years. A video of the Florida couple exchanging their last words has become yet another example of the tragedy coronavirus has brought upon the United States and the rest of the world. 

According to ABC News, JoAnn, 86, had been living in a nursing home in Lakeland, Florida and due to coronavirus restrictions, all visitors were prohibited, including visits from her husband Sam. According to JoAnn's son, Scott Hooper, the only way the couple had managed to see each other in person was JoAnn using her walker to meet her husband Sam from the nursing home balcony. This caused the nursing home staff to dub the couple 'Romeo and Juliet.' 

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Around three weeks ago was when JoAnn was diagnosed with coronavirus. Although Sam, who is 90 years old, knew that visiting her would put him at extremely high risk of contracting the virus, he just wanted to be by JoAnn's side one final time. Sam donned a plethora of protective gear in order to be by his wife's bedside during her final moments.  

JoAnn's son, Scott Hooper, told Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS:

"Here's this 90-year-old man, he did risk his life to go see my mom, but that was his choice, that's his freedom to do that. He knew what he was risking."

Unfortunately, JoAnn passed away after struggling with the virus on Sunday. 

Our hearts go out to Sam's loss and that of JoAnn's family. We hope that this story can help others that are going through similar losses. What do you think of this couple's final goodbyes? Do you know anyone who is struggling? Pass this on to them so they know they're not alone.