Father and son's touching reunion after nine months apart
After nine months of being confined inside his aged care facility, Victorian man Graeme Smith was allowed to walk free this morning.
Graeme became one of the faces of Victoria's health crisis after appearing on Today four months ago. In an emotional interview he described the fear he felt inside Glendale Aged Care, in Melbourne's west, after his neighbour Alf Jordan passed away.
The Graeme we saw today was markedly different from the one we saw all those weeks ago.
READ MORE: Aged care workers reveal major breaches in infection control
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Graeme broke down as he opened up about Alf Jordan's passing. Today
As he smiled widely, Graeme's relief today was palpable. Today
Beaming from ear-to-ear, he was overjoyed to be reunited with his son Aaron, whose birthday it was.
"(It's a) fabulous day," the 83-year-old told Today chuckling.
"Really, really good. Beautiful weather. Beautiful sunshine. Couldn't ask for anything better."
Just being able to see cars is a novelty after nine months inside. Today
Graeme said the atmosphere changed within the aged care home yesterday after people found out they would be able to go outside.
"It was like a weight taken off your shoulders," he said.
"Residents in here when the news came through they were... The whole atmosphere changed.
"I'm excited. I am relieved. Just a sense that we can walk outside. I can go and, instead of walking around the corridors, I can walk down the street and see people. See cars go down the street. Things I haven't seen for the last eight and nine months."
Aaron is equally relieved to be reunited with his father.
The father and son were overjoyed to be together. Today
"When dad rang me yesterday afternoon with the news, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face," he said.
"So excited and so ecstatic. Nine long months. It is a great day. As you say, the sun is shining. It will be a great day."
Aaron then started to share just what his father meant to him.
"He means the world," Aaron said.
"He's always been there for me and my brothers. Nothing has been too much for him. He has always put himself out for family and friends. He has always been there. He is my rock. He is a great man."
The emotional speech left Graeme sniffling.
"He said too much," he chuckled.
The first thing Graeme will do today is go for a doctor's checkup.
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