Ellie Walker, a 22-year-old waitress, invited 86-year-old Edwin Holmes to dinner. Holmes refused to pass up the opportunity and put on his Sunday best. The young Sainsbury worker heard the elderly widower talk about how he spends most of his days alone. It was then she offered to spend some times with him to help with his loneliness.
However, little did the Ellie know that Holmes jumped at the opportunity to eat dinner with a pretty young lady. He not only wore his best suit, but he also brought flowers.
When Ellie learned that Holmes, he has no close family and friends and would spend Christmas day alone, she was not going to let that happen
She was brought to tears when Holmes showed up so well dressed and with flowers! She realized that her act of kindness meant a lot to this elderly gentleman.
Ellie said: “He said it was his first ‘date’ in 55 years and he was as nervous as a schoolboy.
“It made me cry because I could see how much it meant to him. For me, it’s the most important part of my job to speak with customers and see how their day is going.”
Ellie has worked at the Leeds branch of the Sainsbury’s grocery store for the past three years. Holmes is a frequent customer who likes to chat with staff and Ellie.
During one of his visits, Ellie learned he would be alone for Christmas so she offered to take him out on a date.
Despite their 64-year age difference, they have become fast friends and continue to get coffee and hang out.
“He is without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite customer. He is the cutest man and so chatty. I thought if it was my granddad and he was alone I would want someone to talk to him. I see him regularly now and we meet for coffee. It’s nice to be able to chat with him.”
Holmes, a retired painter, and home decorator was floored when Ellie invited him on the dinner date and loves that they have a friendship now.
“The dinner made me very happy as it was unexpected and I had very pleasant company.”
Holmes lives close to the grocery store and lost his wife in 2006 after 45-years of marriage.
Because his daughter and grandchildren live in Australia, he has no family in the country.
“As for the suit, it was my first date for about 55 years, and I got the flowers because I wasn’t going to go empty handed.”
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