Last week, Lilian, a vivacious senior living in Utah’s Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living facility, reached an incredible milestone.
The woman would be turning an impressive 103-years-old, and her friends at the facility had few surprises up their sleeves.
Although Lilian has a bright personality and winning smile, the adorable senior had been grieving the loss of her beloved cat Sammy for the past 2 years. She had cared deeply for Sammy and was devastated when the kitty passed away. Now, a few years later, Lilian had finally dealt with the grief of losing her kitty and often told friends she was ready to have a cat in her life again.
Lilian’s friends at the assisted living center threw the woman a delightful surprise party on the facility’s grounds.
The weather was sunny and the residents had set up tables of yummy food and decorated the yard. The seniors enjoyed themselves, munching burgers, chips, and fresh fruit around the tables— but the best was yet to come.
Unbeknownst to Lilian, her friends and the center’s staff had planned an amazing surprise.
Knowing the senior had been missing Sammy, they had contacted the St. George Animal Shelter to see if there were any kitties looking for a home.
As luck would have it, the shelter mentioned Marley.
Marley is a sweet and affectionate, 9-year-old, homeless cat who was looking for the purrfect home. When staff learned about her kind, gentle temperament and insatiable love of cuddling, they knew she and Lilian would be the perfect match.
After the party had devoured their meals, Lilian and Marley were introduced. As can be seen in the pictures, Lilian completely fell in love.
“Lillian was surprised and overjoyed at Marley’s appearance during her birthday lunch,” Joe Harradine, the employee who brought Marley to the party, told The Dodo.
“She instantly took Marley on her lap and they both cuddled each other.”
Throughout the entire meeting, Lilian was under the impression that Marley was just visiting. When the birthday girl realized the kitty was hers to keep, her day got that much better!
“Lillian just thought Marley was visiting for her birthday,” Harradine said.
“When she was told that Marley wasn’t visiting, but was going to be her cat, she gasped and hugged Marley even more.”
“We could tell a connection between Marley and Lillian was instant. Lillian had a big smile and also shed happy tears over Marley.”
As the party wound down, staff brought Marley to get set up in Lilian’s room— but all Lilian could talk about was how excited she was about her new pal.
Harradine said, “It was a great experience for everyone involved to witness this bond take place.”
“I don’t think there could have been a better match between them both.”
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