These days, it’s easy to overlook the elderly in our communities, which may explain why so many seniors live alone and feel isolated. However, reaching the age of 65 or retiring doesn’t strip anyone of their emotions or opinions.
Moreover, living a long life doesn’t diminish the need for companionship and affection; in fact, the need often grows stronger.
That’s why we were compelled to share a touching story we came across online. It involves four-year-old Norah, who innocently referred to a stranger in a grocery store as “old person” — a simple encounter that profoundly impacted both of their lives…
This is Tara Wood, a mother of seven. On her daughter Norah’s fourth birthday, they shared an unforgettable experience. Compelled by the impact of the moment, Tara decided to share their story online, where it quickly went viral.
“The day before my daughter Norah’s fourth birthday, she predicted a significant event.
After picking her up from preschool, she pointed out an elderly person crossing the parking lot at a very slow pace and said, ‘I like old people the best because they walk slow like I do and their skin is soft like mine. They’re going to die soon, so I’m going to love them as much as I can before they’re gone.’
It was a strange, somewhat somber thought, but her intention was pure and heartfelt.
Impressed by her empathy, I shared her words on Facebook as a status update once we got home, not realizing just how deeply she meant them.”
“The next day, her birthday, on our way back from school, she asked if we could stop at the grocery store to pick up cupcakes to celebrate with her six siblings after dinner.
Who could refuse a birthday request?”
“At the store, I placed Norah and her younger sister in one of those large, car-shaped grocery carts and we made our way to the bakery section. After selecting the cupcakes, I paused at a ‘Clearance’ shelf, browsing through bottles of nearly expired Ranch dressing and cans of Ensure. Meanwhile, Norah, standing up in the cart, began waving excitedly and joyfully shouting, ‘Hi old person! It’s my birthday today!'”
The man was elderly, with a stern, furrowed expression. Before I could caution Norah for calling him an ‘old person’ or wish for the ground to swallow me up, he stopped and turned toward her.
If he was offended by my daughter’s candid remark, he didn’t show it. His face softened as he replied, “Well hello, little lady! How old are you today?”
They exchanged a few words, he wished her a happy birthday, and we continued on our way.
Moments later, Norah tugged at my sleeve and asked, “Can I take a picture with the old man for my birthday?” It was incredibly sweet, and though I was unsure if he would agree, I assured her we could ask.
We found him a few aisles down. Approaching him, I said, “Excuse me, sir? This is Norah. She’s wondering if you might take a photo with her for her birthday?”
His face transitioned from confusion to surprise and then to joy.
Leaning on his shopping cart for support, he touched his chest and asked, “A photo? With me?”
“Yes, sir, for my birthday!” Norah chimed in eagerly.
And so, he agreed. I took out my phone as they posed together. Norah gently placed her hand atop his, capturing his attention. She observed his thin veins and weathered knuckles with fascination, kissed the top of his hand, and then held it against her cheek. He smiled warmly. When I asked his name, he simply said, “Call me Dan.”
We were blocking other shoppers and they didn’t care. There was magic happening in the grocery store that day and we could all feel it. Norah and Mr. Dan sure didn’t notice they were chatting away like long lost friends.”
“After a few minutes, I thanked Mr. Dan for taking the time to spend a bit of his day with us. He teared up and said, ‘No, thank YOU. This has been the best day I’ve had in a long time. You’ve made me so happy, Miss Norah.’
They hugged again and we walked away. Norah watched him until he was out of view.
I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t a weepy mess after their encounter.
I was blown away by this meeting and thought maybe some of the readers on my Facebook page might enjoy hearing about it.
I posted the story and a photo of the two of them.”
“Later that night, I received a private message from a local reader who recognized Mr. Dan.
After his wife Mary passed away in March, Mr. Dan had been feeling a deep loneliness. A local reader messaged me to say she believed my daughter had truly touched his heart, providing him with much-needed companionship and a memory he would cherish.
I reached out to Mr. Dan and obtained his phone number, calling him a few days later.
We arranged a visit to Mr. Dan’s cozy and tidy home, still adorned with reminders of Mary. He had spruced himself up, looking years younger, with a fresh haircut and dressed neatly in slacks and dress shoes. He prepared a child’s drawing table with paper and crayons for Norah, asking her to create some artwork for his fridge, which she eagerly started doing.
We spent nearly three hours with Mr. Dan that day. He was wonderfully patient and gentle with Norah, even cleaning up after her meal and sharing his food with her.
As we left, he carefully cut a single red rose from his garden, meticulously removed all the thorns, and handed it to Norah, who treasures that rose, now dried and kept in a Ziploc bag under her pillow.
Norah frequently asks about Mr. Dan, concerned about his well-being and whether he has enough essentials like cheese for his sandwiches. She deeply wants him to feel loved and cared for.
Mr. Dan, too, has found solace in their friendship. He shared that he had struggled with sleeplessness since losing his wife but has been sleeping soundly since meeting Norah. “Norah has healed me,” he told me, a statement that moved me to tears.
Despite the 78-year age gap, there’s an undeniable connection between them. Norah and I now visit Mr. Dan weekly, even if just for a quick hug or to bring him a cheese danish, his favorite treat.
I’ve invited him to join our family for Thanksgiving. He’s become an integral part of our lives, and as Norah puts it, ‘We’re gonna love him all up.’
This story is a testament to the unexpected and beautiful connections that can arise from simply talking to strangers. Please share this with your loved ones; you never know what a conversation with a stranger might bring.
