82 year old man has lost his wife and wants to visit family

Sandra Dawson Start Date: Aug 5, 2018 - End Date: Dec 2, 2018
  • United Kingdom

My Travel Story

by: Sandra Dawson Start Date: Aug 5, 2018 - End Date: Dec 2, 2018
Today I had one of, if not, THE saddest day of my life. 

I work at a Restaurant. Twice and sometimes even three times a week, this old couple came by for a meal or a piece of pie and coffee. We all know them. They're regulars. The old woman was usually the one who did the transactions and initiated conversations with me, and the rest of us.

Both of them have been coming to our restaurant for years, so my coworkers knew them way more than I did. But they grew close to me. She is always happy and always enjoyed conversations. While he stood beside her, looking at her, paying close attention to the things she say.

There was never a day where they weren't together, and that’s why today was very odd to me when I saw him walk up to the counter by himself.

"Mr. Smith, how you doing today?", I said. He told me that he could be better, which is his usual reply so I didn't think of anything of it.

He stood there, quiet..then said, "...My wife…she passed last week at night in her sleep. I'm missing her greatly. 

Our restaurant is always busy and loud. But somehow, everybody inside the restaurant heard what he said and stopped what they were doing.

It was silent, the quietest it has ever been in there. Everyone’s stomach was in a knot, while Mr. Smith stood there in front of me with tears in his eyes. 

"Hate to say it, but I wish I went before she did. It was hard waking up today, to an empty side of the bed. She was my best friend & lover."

As I said, we know this couple well. They have no family here in the United States. They have many friends though. It is his wish to go back to the UK to see their family members. He is living on SS and can’t afford to do this. We have started collecting money but aren’t even close to enough. 
Please help us grant this beautiful wish to such a loving man. Thank you for your time and have a beautiful day! 


  • United Kingdom