Kindness — A man invites his 89-year-old neighbor to live with him during her final days
This beautiful and inspiring tale demonstrates that humanity is still alive and well! It’s from West Hollywood, California, in the United States. Norma Cook, an 84-year-old woman, lived alone in her apartment with her pet cat Hermes.
When people are left alone to fend for themselves, age may be a horrible thing. Norma was lonely and in need of a companion. She was fighting a variety of ailments on her own. She had no idea that life had in store for her a new best buddy.
Chris Salvatore, a 26-year-old guy, moved into the apartment next door to hers. And as soon as he learned about his next-door neighbor, he introduced himself, and the two became instant friends! They began having dinners together, conversing about the neighborhood, and watching TV, thus eradicating Norma’s loneliness!
Chris said:
“She offered me a glass of Champagne — it’s her favorite drink — and we just sat down and talked, we connected right away. Back when she was a young adult, she had a lot of friends who were gay, and I’m also gay, so I think it made her feel safe at home and at peace to sort of have that bond again.“
Their five-year friendship was a joy to behold. Norma began having breathing problems in 2016. She was first diagnosed with pneumonia, then with leukemia.
Her specialists warned her that she needed 24-hour care and couldn’t stay in her apartment any longer, and that she didn’t have much time left before her sickness took her away. Chris, her best friend, jumped in and invited her to move in next door with him.
Chris spoke about the situation:
“The only other option was for her to go into a facility, I just couldn’t do that to someone who is like my own grandmother. My apartment was the only place she would have moved. She has strong opinions about where she wants to carry out the rest of her days, and she wants to stay here. Moving her in… it feels as though it was meant to be all along.”
Nothing better than spending your final days with your best friend, Norma agreed. Chris looked after her, keeping an eye on her, giving her food and medications – all while they continued to gab about the neighborhood and watch TV!
Norma passed away in February of 2017. Chris had formed a lifelong connection with Norma, one he would cherish for the rest of his life.
He spoke on Norma’s death:
“I feel her watching over me and it is a happy feeling, she is out of pain and in peace, probably drinking a glass of champagne, dancing, reunited with the many friends that she’s had throughout her life. I am forever a changed man and I thank this magnificent lady for everything she has taught me.“
We were moved to tears by this story. We hope there are more people like Chris out there with nothing but goodwill in their hearts. Chris Salvatore, we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Thank you for being such a wonderful person!
