Lolo and lola’s reunion after separation due to illness tugs at heartstrings

A couple’s heartwarming reunion after being away from each other due to illness has tugged at the heartstrings of many followers online.

As seen on a viral video shown on Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report Tuesday, Gloria Valeña welcomed her husband Menandro warmly in her arms by hugging, kissing, and caressing his face upon seeing him at home in December.

According to their son Melo, it started when Menandro contracted COVID-19 in November 2020 and had to be confined at a hospital until December of the same year.

Unfortunately, in March, he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called pure red cell aplasia, which required him to have frequent hospital visits.

“’Yung antibodies ni Tatay ang nag-aattack mismo sa bone marrow which prevents it from producing red blood cells kaya naging frequent yung monitoring ng doctor,” Melo said.

“Since August, ’di na kami nakabalik ng probinsya kasi every two weeks, kailangan ng blood transfusion, kailangan i-monitor and all. ’Yon din yung time na ang taas ng COVID cases kaya takot kami bumyahe.”

The couple said those four months was the longest they had been apart. It took a toll on Gloria’s health and caused her depression.

“Napakahirap po talagang parang hindi ko kakayanin dahil alam kong may sakit siya tapos hindi po ako sanay na hindi ko siya katabi. Mahirap po sa ’kin dahil kita kong may sakit,” she said.

“Nakikita ko ’yung mga nakakabit sa kanya,” she added. “Kahit malayo, gusto ko naririnig, ‘I love you.’”

Menandro said he once thought he wouldn’t survive. Thankfully, he got through the worst with his family’s help and his faith.

Still in need of continuous medical assistance in Manila, Menandro and their whole family had decided that Gloria should come with them, which would also help improve her condition.

Proving that they will stick with each other through thick and thin, Menandro has this to say to Gloria: “Huwag mong kalimutan na mahal na mahal kita.”

To which, Gloria answered: “’Yang pagmamahal pong ’yan ay hanggang sa huli. I love you.” – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News