A man has spoken out after finding himself in love with his late grandfather's wife.
Mart Soeson - a 48-year-old Estonian lawyer - has spoken out about his complex immigration battle as he endeavors to maintain his residency in Australia alongside his partner, Elfriedie Riit, the 104-year-old widow of his late grandfather.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Soeson is currently involved in an arduous journey toward securing permanent residency in Sydney, Australia.
Among the obstacles he has been faced with, his application - and relationship coming under intense scrutiny from the Department of Home Affairs.
Despite the skepticism surrounding their relationship, Soeson staunchly asserts the genuine nature of the relationship of his "de facto partner" - a sentiment echoed during his rigorous three-hour interrogation at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
During the tribunal hearing, Soeson passionately defended the depth of their connection, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of their relationship. "We have intimacy - holding hands, hugs, kissing. We have a spiritual and intellectual relationship. We have a strong emotional connection to each other," Soeson told the tribunal.
After originally having his visa denied, the tribunal asked Soeson if the couple had any sexual intimacy between them - to which he confirmed there had been none. He also admitted that the pair do not share a bedroom.
The couple's journey together spans back to 1996, when Soeson first crossed paths with Riit.
Over time, what began as a familial acquaintance blossomed into a romantic entanglement, with their relationship allegedly solidifying in January 2013 - when he was 37, and she was 92.
He maintains that she was the one to initiate the relationship, telling the tribunal: "She said many times that she wanted someone by her side. She was a widow. She was lonely and helpless.'
Despite being the widow of his late grandfather, Soeson stressed that he never viewed Ritt "grandmother". "I’ve never called her 'grandmother'. There was no grandson-grandmother relationship," he said.
Soeson then moved to Australia to be with Riit in September 2018. He made his home in Bankstown alongside Riit.
However, their story is not without its share of challenges. Riit's ongoing battle with Alzheimer's and bipolar disorder necessitated her transition to an aged care facility in 2022, leaving Soeson grappling with the complexities of their separation. Despite the physical distance, he maintains that their emotional connection remains unwavering.
"What started out as a wholesome bond I had with my late grandfather’s widow slowly but surely turned into a very meaningful and loving relationship," Soeson told the Daily Mail.
Sharing more details about their relationship, Soeson explained: "We don't have many mutual friends. Most of her friends are dead and due to her nature she is a recluse person.
"Even before I met her she was recluse. She liked to stay at home, not to socialize with the people."
He admitted that he feels his application for a visa continues to be denied based on "discrimination".
As they await the tribunal's verdict, Soeson and Riit stand united, but have confirmed that they do not wish to get married.
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