Stroke survivors and their families are often counseled about a “new normal”, meaning that life after a stroke involves embracing the changes that come with it. How those changes manifest can impact marriages and the entire household.
It is amazing to see couples and families adapt to what is a life-changing experience. Depending on the severity of the stroke, a person’s ability to speak, move, or swallow can be affected. Paralysis is common, as is aphasia, and many times, that is what becomes a stroke survivor’s new normal.
Having someone by your side like the loving husband in this video can make all the difference in the world. Seen here are married couple Andrew and Theresa who have been together for forty-five years. Almost twenty years ago, Theresa had a stroke and it’s affected her ability to do her hair.
But she enjoys a trip to the salon now and then, and the couple’s children gifted her with a gift certificate for Mother’s Day. So, Andrew took her in to have her hair styled and she fell in love with what was done.
However, they decided to make a return trip to the salon with the intention of learning how to manage her style at home. Andrew wanted to buy the products so that this could easily be done, but was approached by Theresa’s stylist with an idea.
Andrea Gomez offered to teach the doting husband how to style his wife’s hair since she was unable to do it on her own. What you see in this video is Andrew getting tips on how to use styling products and tools so that Theresa’s hair can be cared for at home in the same way it’s done at Foundry Salon.
Another hairdresser caught the encounter on video and became emotional. She shared the video on Facebook and wrote this in the caption:
“From products to the way you hold the brush and dryer … truly one of the best things I have been able to witness in my life.
Brought tears to my eyes … What an amazing man and what a lucky woman.”
The video went viral but Andrew insists it is less about him and more about the kindness shared by the people who work at the salon. Most of their family visits the salon and their son told Today that their parents have always been this loving towards one another.
Because of this, it’s been second nature for Andrew to care for Theresa through her stroke and to be game for handling tasks like styling her hair. Although the attention from the video has been overwhelming, Andrew eventually came around after his son explained how much they are inspiring people.
Since the clip was originally posted, it’s gained over 9.5 million views. You will find it hard to quell the lump forming in your throat when you watch it too, so we’re telling you now to grab some tissues.
Are you touched by watching this caring husband and wife? Do you know any couples like Andrew and Theresa? What do you think of the video clip?