Human kindness has a healing power
In 2017, a heartwarming story unfolded between a 30-year-old man named Chris Salvatore and an elderly woman, Norma Cook, who lived across the hallway. It all began when Norma waved at Chris, sparking an unexpected connection between them. As they spent nights talking and cooking together, they became best friends.
Sadly, their lives took a tragic turn when Norma received a leukemia diagnosis and chose not to undergo treatment, reducing her life expectancy to two months. Despite doctors recommending 24-hour care and a nursing home, Norma refused, and her friend initially started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for in-home care.
However, when the funds from the donations ran out, Chris made a heartfelt decision to take care of Norma himself. He believed that human kindness has a healing power that surpasses medical treatment. He couldn’t bear the thought of her being moved to a facility, so he became her full-time caregiver.
Together, they shared moments of sipping champagne while watching the news, and Chris cherished the strong grandmotherly influence Norma had on him. In February 2017, after living longer than expected, Norma passed away. Chris, wiping away tears, expressed his deep affection for her and how she touched the lives of many with her loving nature and ability to connect with people of all ages.
Through Instagram, Chris documented their journey together, sharing their memorable moments and announcing Norma’s passing. He described Norma as someone who epitomized the power of love and left behind a remarkable legacy.
Despite the pain of her absence, Chris continued to post about their time together, expressing his longing for her and the laughter she brought into his life. He shared a video of Norma expressing her love for him, highlighting their unique connection despite their age difference and initial status as strangers.
This beautiful friendship serves as a testament to the profound impact two people can have on each other’s lives, even with minimal knowledge of one another. It all started with a simple wave in a hallway, leading to a bond that transcended age and left an indelible mark on both of their hearts.
