In a remarkable love story, a 48-year-old man found himself deeply in love with his late grandfather's 103-year-old widow.
Despite their significant age difference, their bond was undeniable. However, their hopes of building a life together in Australia collapsed as their application for a permanent visa was denied.
43-year-old man falls in love with his grandfather's 103-year-old widow
Mart Soeson, 48, from Estonia, has been in a 55-year-old-gap relationship with his grandfather's 103-year-old second wife, Elfriede Riit, since 2013.
According to Mr. Soeson, the two first met in 1996 when he came to Australia to study advanced English. Soeson met Mrs. Riit at this time and she quickly recognized Soesson as the nephew of her late husband Alfred.
Riit invited Soeson to her house and the couple quickly became friends after healthy conversations.
The two revealed they had a lot in common when they were together and they shared many different stories.
Since their first meeting, Soeson and Elfriede became closer as he always returned to Australia to visit his partner on vacation every year.
After 5 years of being friends, Soeson and Elfriede officially dated in 2013.
Soeson said he is always interested in trips to Australia to visit his partner and always hopes to stick with Elfride for the rest of his life.
Soeson decided to apply for a permanent residence visa in Australia to be with his 103-year-old partner
With love growing, Soeson decided to give up his career in his homeland, Estonia, and move to Australia to live with his 103-year-old partner in 2018.
The couple lived as a couple until 2022 when Ms. Riit was moved to an aged care facility due to health problems.
Mr. Soeson shared that he applied for permanent residence for the first time in 2016 and was granted a temporary visa in July 2017.
However, Soeson's permanent residence visa was denied in 2018 when the Ministry of Home Affairs doubted the legality of Soeson and Elfriede's relationship.
Currently, Mr. Soeson is preparing the necessary procedures to submit the appeal documents on the set date.
Mr. Soeson said he needed to get a permanent residency visa in Australia so he could take care of his elderly partner's remaining days.
Mrs. Elfriede became increasingly dependent on him and often worried when he was not around.
He believes they should be allowed to continue their healthy and romantic relationship despite their huge age gap.
