The Notebook-worthy story behind this photo of a couple holding hands
Guys, remember 2004, when our hearts swelled two sizes after we watched The Notebook? Yeah, um, we think we’ve found a photograph of Noah and Allie. Except this love is IRL, and it’s between an adoring couple named Tom and Arnisteen Clark. . . and these two can’t be apart from each other for a second.
Last week, Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Georgia shared an absolutely beautiful picture of the couple, both in separate hospital beds, holding hands. According to the hospital, 96-year-old Tom and 92-year-old Arnisteen have been married for 68 years, and the only time they’ve been apart during their marriage is when Tom was stationed in Korea.
Unfortunately, the Clarks couldn’t share a room because all the fourth floor rooms are private rooms, and it’s against state regulations to put two patients in a private room. The Clarks must be on the fourth floor as it is an orthopedic floor, and nurses on the fourth floor specialize in orthopedic care, as the hospital explained in a comment on the post.
“This made their stay in different rooms in the hospital very difficult for them,” the hospital wrote in the post, “so Tina Mann, Manager, Orthopedics Medical-Surgical 4, with help from the clinical staff, went above and beyond to make a special arrangement for Tom, 96, to visit his wife, in her room.”
According to the hospital, when Mann helped Tom visit Arnisteen, he burst into tears, saying, “I just can’t be away from her, she’s the finest woman in the world.” TEARS. ALL OF THE TEARS.
Since the post on August 6th, the photograph has gone totally viral, liked over 12,000 times and shared over 3,000 times. Friends and family have been commenting and sharing photographs of the Clarks, expressing their adoration for the couple. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Clark December 2014,” one commenter wrote, posting the photograph below. “They are very special people. Please show them this beautiful picture and tell them I love them.”
“They have both been my patients and to say this is true love is an understatement,” another commenter wrote.
“This is one of the sweetest couples you will ever meet,” said another commenter. “Thank you Ms. Mann for making it possible for them to be together. They are lost without each other. Love you Mr. and Mrs. Clark.”
It’s clear that the love between Tom and Arnisteen is something that has not only enriched each others’ lives, but the lives of everyone around them. They have since been discharged from the hospital, according to the hospital communications specialist (who could not disclose what they were treated for). Now, they can enjoy more happy, love-filled years together in each others’ arms. TBH, we think we’ll be crying all week after this one.
(Images via Facebook)
