Social media is often stereotyped as being the storytelling platform of the young, but amid streams of videos of Gen Z'ers miming to song lyrics, a touching moment between an elderly couple has captured hearts across the world.
Joe Keogh, 78, had decided to mark his wife Jane's 73rd birthday in a unique and heartfelt way—by giving her a Japanese cherry blossom tree, a symbol of their enduring love. The heartwarming moment was captured and shared by their daughter, Kate Keogh, who has told Newsweek about the deep significance behind the gift.
Viewers watched as swoon-worthy footage uploaded to TikTok captured Joe surprising Jane with the blooming tree, telling her, "it's a symbol of our love blossoming more every year."
The sincerity and simplicity of the gesture struck a chord worldwide and the clip quickly went viral with over 3.7 million likes since it was first posted on April 20.
"My dad, Joe, has always known how much my mom loves cherry blossoms. They've admired these trees throughout their lives together. So, he thought what better way to celebrate her 73rd birthday than to plant a symbol of their growing love right in their own backyard," said Kate Keogh, who is based in England.
The couple, who have been together for nearly 40 years, continue to inspire those around them with their affection and commitment. "They are as head over heels in love today as they were when they first met," Keogh added.
She'd captioned the post: "When people ask why I'm single… the bar is too high."
Viewers from around the world have commented on the video, expressing admiration for the couple's relationship and the beautiful gesture. Many shared their own stories of love, proving that such moments resonate across cultures and generations.
"The fact that even after YEARS of marriage he was still able to surprise her and have her lost for words," one user, @bcook204, wrote.
"Love the Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees. But love their love for each other more," another user, @racheldube3, added.
The couple's story has been taken as a beautiful reminder of the enduring nature of love and the simple gestures that can mean the most. As the cherry blossom tree grows and flourishes, so too does the love between the British couple, offering a living testament to nearly four decades of shared life and affection.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Melissa Fleur Afshar is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, United Kingdom.
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