Michael And Carol’s Big Day - A Love Story From Sanford House
When new resident Michael recently moved into Sanford House, he confided a very special request to Home Manager Maebh, and the Sanford team have helped make it happen.
45 Years Together
Michael’s arrival at Sanford House Nursing Home was planned for a reason. He has terminal cancer and needs to live in an environment that provides the right balance of support, care and independence. He has been with his partner, Carol, for 45 years and, more than anything, wanted to ensure that Carol’s future was secure. So, Michael proposed, and Carol accepted.
Enjoying the sunshine in the garden and chatting to Maebh about their wedding plans, Michael and Carol shared some of their favourite moments – including their first meeting.
Memories to Treasure
When Michael’s brother James and his wife had a party at their house to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, the couple met by chance. Cue party cliché – Carol bumped into Michael in the kitchen and the rest is history.
Michael’s work as an engineer took him overseas to China and America. His great hobby was motor bike racing and he managed to inspire Carol to become a fan too. Other memories included their first holiday together in rainy Cornwall where they arrived, pitched a small tent, then endured an overnight downpour. Later as they were travelling around, the couple spotted a nice caravan and decided to buy it on the spot! Michael and Carol have always enjoyed going to interesting places together and were especially keen on visiting mines – coal mines, arsenic mines, and the famous Blue John Cavern in the Lake District.
A Musical Welcome and Haribo Rings
On the morning of the big day Michael was up early, keen to get ready in his wedding outfit. Later, his brother, son, daughter in law and some friends joined him, and Carol’s daughter, Samantha, dropped off the cake along with a buttonhole for Michael and a posy of flowers for Carol.
Earlier, Carol had been to the registry office to sign some documents, so when he knew she was due at Sanford, Michael made sure he was in reception to greet his bride. Everyone on duty came to reception to welcome her too, and Carol arrived, looking beautiful in her dress. Meanwhile, Sanford’s multi-talented administrator, Michael, sang two of their favourite songs - “My Way” and “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You”. The couple were overwhelmed by the reception that greeted them, and said they felt very emotional.
The wedding party of eleven friends and family went into the garden for photos, during which Michael and Carol both wore Haribo jelly rings, which they found very funny! When the Registrar arrived to officiate the marriage, the ceremony was held in the Quiet Room, where Michael and Carol became husband and wife.
The Sanford Wellbeing team had excelled themselves, decorating every location including the garden, and theming the lounge in white and gold. The reception got underway and Michael and Carol had a wonderful time chatting, celebrating and laughing with each other and enjoying the selfie board the team had made for them.
Feeling Like a Celebrity
A delicious high tea and a celebration cake was served and the Wellbeing team kept everyone topped up with drinks and anything they needed throughout the reception. After tea and fizz, the couple enjoyed more of their favourite songs – “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and the classic by Monty Python - “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
Gifts were presented to the happy couple from everyone at Sanford House – a lovely brown leather hip flask for Michael, chosen by Sanford House Manager, Maebh, who knows he enjoys a dram of Oban whiskey, and two champagne glasses inscribed with their names.
Michael was happy to have enjoyed such a wonderful day, and thanked the Sanford team, saying, “This day has been made even more special by what you have done for us, we are so grateful and beyond words”. He added, “When I proposed to Carol recently I never expected anything close to this. I’m just an ordinary man but you made me feel like a celebrity”, which touched everyone at Sanford House.
When asked a couple of days later how it feels to be a married man Michael laughed and said, "I don't feel any different after 45 years - we're just us."
Discover Sanford House Nursing Home in Norfolk
Sanford House Nursing Home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care in a bright and comfortable environment, surrounded by lovely gardens. The home offers care that is tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences, and a team who are committed to delivering the very best. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
