Man, 89, learns to write to surprise daughter
Watch: Julie reads the letter written to her by her father during a visit to see him
- Published
An 89-year-old care home resident has penned a thank you letter to his daughter, after fulfilling his dream of learning how to write.
Joe Miechielsens presented the card to Julie in a surprise ceremony at Ashbrook Court Care Home in Waltham Abbey, Essex.
There was barely a dry eye in the room as Mr Miechielsens was applauded when he handed the note to his daughter, from Chingford in east London, who said she was overcome with emotion.
“I thought I was going there for a meeting but when I got there they took me into the cinema room and the atmosphere was buzzing," she told BBC London.
Mr Miechielsens had regular lessons and practised diligently, with his progress documented through workbooks and in videos
“I was just completely overwhelmed, I can’t describe it. We watched the video showing Dad learning to write and he gave me some flowers and the book that he’d been practising in.
“It’s such a simple thing to most people and something you just take for granted that you can do.
"The whole day was perfect and it is something I’ll never forget.
“This letter means the world to me, and knowing the journey Dad went through to write it makes it even more special.”
Everyone who was at the ceremony was "visibly moved", the care home manager said
Mr Miechielsens, who was an agricultural worker during World War Two, never got the opportunity to learn to write as a boy.
Lorna, the lifestyle co-ordinator at the care home, told BBC London: “Joe’s dedication to learning and his heartfelt desire to connect with his daughter in this way has been truly inspiring.
“Working with Joe has been a rewarding experience, and his achievement is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new. We are all so proud of him.”
'Pure joy'
Care home manager Jonathane Ribeiro said everyone at the ceremony was "visibly moved".
“Seeing Joe present his letter to Julie was a moment of pure joy and pride for all of us.
"It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.
“We pride ourselves on nurturing a community where residents are encouraged to pursue their passions."
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