Young Cashier Asks Lonely 86-year-old Widower To Dinner
This young cashier heard that this 86-year-old widower was planning to spend Christmas alone after his wife passed. She couldn’t let that happen.
Ellie Walker is a cashier at a local market. One of her daily customers is Edwin Holmes an 86-year-old who was recently widowed. He and his wife were married for 45 years. Edwin visits the market frequently and enjoys chatting with the staff and Ellie who always takes the time to ask him about his day. When she learned that he had no friends or family to spend Christmas day with, she knew that she had to do something. (Edwin’s daughter and two grandchildren live in Australia, which is a bit far for Edwin to travel.)
“For me it’s the most important part of my job to speak with customers and see how their day is going.” Ellie told the Sun News.
Edwin, a former painter and decorator, was surprised when Ellie asked him to dinner, but quickly accepted. Nervous not to mess up the evening, Edwin put thought into what to wear and what to bring.
“As for the suit, it was my first ‘date’ for about 55 years, and I got the flowers because I wasn’t going to go empty handed.”
Ellie wasn’t expecting him to be so dashing for their very simple Christmas dinner. She was surprised to see him dressed in a suit with flowers for their visit. It brought her to tears to see how much it meant to him to have something to look forward to and a friend to share the evening.
“The dinner made me very happy as it was unexpected and I had very pleasant company.” Edwin told reporters.
Ellie and Edwin have found many things in common and enjoy each other’s friendship. Despite their 64 year age difference, the friends have a lot of laughs together and regularly plan visits.
“I see him regularly now and we meet for coffee. It’s nice to be able to chat with him,” said Ellie.
A New Start In Life and A New Purpose
Edwin has found new “fame” in their town and has had several offers for dinner since his dinner with Ellie has gone viral! Ellie realized that there are many other individuals that pass through her store who are lonely and seeking friendship. She is in the process of starting a “Coffee Morning” club that meets in the grocery store’s coffee shop for a time of regular companionship. Her manager is helping with the concept and they are hoping it will take off nationally.
h/t: The Sun
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