A heartbreaking photo of a grandfather meeting his newborn grandson for the first time has gone viral, showing the tragic sacrifices that are being made in the name of social distancing.
The picture, which was recently, shared on social media, shows the elderly man gazing at the baby through a closed window and unable to hold him while being forced to keep his distance during the coronavirus outbreak.
"Three generations of social distancing as my dad meets his grandson for the first time," Gall wrote alongside the picture.
The Meath, Ireland native wasn't there to take the picture herself, but was actually sent the photo by her sister-in-law.
As he told TODAY, upon leaving the hospital he and his wife were instructed not to come into contact with anyone.
Of course, that wasn't going to stop this proud new grandfather from meeting his newborn grandson, even if just through a window.
Although he was only able to gaze at baby Faolán through the window, he still shared a tender moment with both his son and grandson.
And once it's safe to do so, Emma told the Independent her dad plans on having a "big cuddle" with little Faolán.
Judging from the comments, it's clear that the photo has struck a particularly emotional chord with people.
"Oh, man, this is heartbreaking," this user wrote. "But on the other hand, beautiful, and congratulations! A million blessings on your son."
"Thank you for posting this," one user commented. "I’m expecting my first baby very soon and have been absolutely dreading this."
Another shared, "My first grandchild is almost 2 weeks old, we did have the luxury of cuddles before this escalated but FaceTime is a God send! Also hoping for some fresh air walks together - but apart. I encourage my daughter to try to see it as precious time to bond with her gorgeous baby."
She also added that he is "completely oblivious to his new fame."
"He wouldn't let me take a pic of him but he's smiling," Emma wrote. "He is looking forward to holding the baby soon."
As the BBC reported, Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is asking people to only leave home for work if it is essential, to shop for essential supplies, to exercise, or to care for those who are vulnerable.
As of writing, the country has confirmed 1,125 coronavirus cases and six people have died.
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h/t: TODAY, Independent, BBC
