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Devastated Widower Turns into Hermit after Wife's Death until a Little Girl Approaches His Table

Stephen Thompson
Apr 10, 2022
07:20 A.M.

After losing his wife of many years, an 87-year-old widower began living like a hermit following the devastation. But his life soon changed when he met an unlikely female friend.

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In 2018, ABC TV's "Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds," a captivating documentary series, featured one of its most sensational episodes.

It was a Christmas special starring Ken Pidcock, an 87-year-old widower who had lost his partner, Barbara, aka Barbie, five years ago. Following his loneliness, the man turned into a hermit, but he continued to cherish the memories made with his wife.

Pictures of Ken Pidcock with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

Pictures of Ken Pidcock with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

According to Ken, every festive season brought intense pain as he remembered how Barbie always shopped. In his words, "You just feel so terribly sad because you remember all the wonderful family Christmases you had."

KEN'S LIFE WAS BLISS BEFORE SOLITUDE

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Ken met Barbie during his teenage years. The pair later married and created beautiful memories with their family, including two adorable daughters. Sadly, their fairytale love life ceased after their last Christmas.

Picture of Ken Pidcock meeting 4-year-old Lily and her parents | Source: Facebook/All 4

Picture of Ken Pidcock meeting 4-year-old Lily and her parents | Source: Facebook/All 4

Ken was struck with grief: his wife's death. Since then, he has chosen never to celebrate Christmas. According to him:

"I never wanted to celebrate Christmas after that. I became a bit of a hermit, I suppose."

While he chose to be a hermit, Ken was conscious of not affecting his daughters or grandkids. One time, he considered staying away from everyone.

Picture of Ken Pidcock at the retirement home | Source: Facebook/All 4

Picture of Ken Pidcock at the retirement home | Source: Facebook/All 4

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THE CHANGE KEN NEEDED

For 2018's Christmas, rather than wallow in his pain, the 87-year-old linked up with little miss Lily, aka Lily Bobtail, a 4-year-old. That was when the real miracle happened.

He created heart-melting memories by engaging in different activities. The widower later shopped for the holiday and had fun.

Picture of Ken Pidcock with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

Picture of Ken Pidcock with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

Although he admitted that he was not a shopper, nor would he have played as much, the 87-year-old was pleased with the outcome.

He later added: "Lily bobtail is becoming a special friend of mine. It's like being a grandfather all over again. I mean, and it's a wonderful feeling."

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Picture of Ken Pidcock having dinner with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

Picture of Ken Pidcock having dinner with 4-year-old Lily | Source: Facebook/All 4

Lily was thrilled with the experience; she claimed that Ken was her favorite person. Her family also appreciated the bond. According to her mother:

"I want Lily to understand and have compassion for people that don't have everything."

IMPACTS OF THE OLD PEOPLE'S HOME FOR 4-YEAR-OLDS

The "Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds" has helped other retirees find new friendships and experience maximum fun despite their situations. It is designed to test the emotional, mental, and physical abilities of these older adults, especially when they are around young kids.

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The program involves play dates, experiments, and different tasks. Since its invention, it has recorded a high level of success. Both the older adults and younger folks are impacted positively.

The friendship never ends in the home, as they are allowed to engage outside. Ken explained that he visits his little friends and vice versa, forming an everlasting bond with their families.

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