Heartwarming Pic Shows Boy, 7, Meeting Pensioner Pen Pal, 93, for the First Time Amid Lockdown

The uncommon friendship between seven-year-old Michael Lugg and 93-year-old Lewis made headlines after photos of their first encounter went viral earlier this year.

When the lockdown began in England back in March 2020, Michael’s school asked students to send letters to the residents of a local care home, Parc Vro Care Home, so that they could keep their spirits up.

Michael’s pen-pal is Lewis, 86 years older than him. Despite their huge age gap, the two became very good friends.

UNCOMMON FRIENDSHIP

According to Jenny Winzar, the care home manager, the fact that students wrote letters to the residents was “greatly received,” especially by 93-year-old Lewis.

Jenny added that Michael not only wrote letters but also drew pictures for Lewis. With the help of the care home staff, Lewis has been writing letters back to him.

The two friends talked about farming, mostly, as Michael was curious to know what it was like without machinery. Lewis and the schoolboy also spoke about how the former used to walk almost everywhere before getting a bike.

Michael was so thrilled about his new friend that he would never stop asking when they could meet in person. In early-November, the schoolboy’s wish came true!

[Michael’s] letters made Lewis “jump out of bed” and gave him a new lease of life.

THEIR FIRST MEETING

When Lewis received Michael’s last letter, he got quite emotional. For that reason, Fiona, a staff member of the care home, got in touch with Michael and his mom, and they arranged a meeting.

The boy went to the Parc Vro Care Home to visit Lewis for the first time. However, due to the coronavirus restriction, they met through window glass. It didn’t make their reunion any less special, though.

In the photos shared on social media, Michael and Lewis are seen putting their hands on the window glass and giving a thumbs-up to each other while smiling. Jenny said:

“It was a magical moment for everyone, not a dry eye in the building, and truly made Lewis's year.”

Michael’s mom also admitted that the boy “loved every minute” of their meeting and that his letters made Lewis “jump out of bed” and gave him a new lease of life.

If you are interested in connecting with pen-pals, take a look at these seven websites that will keep you in touch with other people while following all the social distancing guidelines.