Those over a certain age have had to be extra cautious when it comes to shielding from COVID-19 as they were more likely to be at risk, meaning many have gone over a year without seeing their loved ones.
This is why when a video emerged on TikTok of an 100-year-old man finally being reunited with his sister, 98, the internet couldn’t hold back their tears.
The footage, shared by Emily Knight, known online as Emilyknight95, shows a World War II veteran called Norman celebrating his 100th birthday by being able to see his sister for the first time since the pandemic began.
Standing in the middle of the street in the town of Midland in Ontario, Canada, he can be seen excitedly exclaiming: “That’s Jean! That’s my sister!”
He rips of his mask and punches the air in delight. The camera then pans to Jean, who is being escorted over, as she tells her brother: “There’s an old lady come to see you.”
The pair then pull each other to an embrace, and whisper their happiness. The whole street is lined with masked on-lookers who begin clapping.
The scene is made all the more emotional by the fact that Somewhere Over The Rainbow, sung by Judy Garland, is playing through speakers.
Posted on June 18, the video was captioned: “My great-grandpa seeing his sister for the first time since the pandemic started…this is his 100th birthday and she’s 98 #fyp #100.”
The tear-jerking footage has since been viewed 6.4 million times, and received more than 1.5 million likes.
Many rushed to their comments section to share their thoughts on the emotional clip.
One TikTok user, Cattycat, wrote: “Yes I’m crying at 7:30am on a Saturday morning.”
Another person, user3263625200011, added: “You’ve got me crying today already. This is so beautiful. I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been for the elderly through this pandemic. God bless.”
Vic commented: “OMG WHAAAT?? 100 and 98!!! Amazing genes in this family.”
Kate Snyder typed: “Pardon me? That young man is 100 YEARS OLD?! Such a sweet moment! Happy birthday sir!”
NUNya Business admitted: “I’m in tears!! They’ve lived a century together in this lifetime, sibling bond is strong.”
Leslie_randall admitted: “Wait! 100 and 98?? Yeah, I’ll have whatever they’ve been having. They look fantastic. Such a sweet reunion!”
Newsweek have contacted Emily Knight for comment.
