One of the most touching and one-of-a-kind anecdotes from this time of year occurred a few years ago. When a neighbor and a stranger showed the world the size of their hearts, this unexpected pair became great friends.
Chris Salvatore was 31 years old when he went to a city where he knew no one. He introduced himself to the elderly woman who lived next door, being the good neighbor that he was. At the time, Norma Cook was 89 years old and lived alone with her cat, Hermes. Chris eventually invited Norma to live with him because she required round-the-clock care.
She is overjoyed that I asked. I was already over there most days. Her only other alternative was to enter a facility. I couldn’t do that to someone who reminds me of my grandmother.
When Norma reached 89, her health began to deteriorate, and Chris stepped in to provide his support and care. Her medical bills were beginning to mount as a result of her various health difficulties and malignancies. So Christ created a GoFundMe page for Norma, and donations began to flow in.
It’s Something a Good Neighbor Would Do
Most days, Norma and Chris would spend together, enjoying each other’s company. They instantly became closest friends and family, whether it was to share a pizza or a drink of champagne.
Unfortunately, Norma died four years after meeting Chris. His compassion and care, on the other hand, provided her a pleasant departure.
“She taught me to love so much deeper than I could have imagined imaginable. Norma opened so many people’s hearts at a time when it was greatly needed. She was a very powerful woman with the potential to bring people together who would never have met otherwise.”
When Norma died, Chris informed the rest of the world. All she needed was to be able to depart this world with her dignity intact, and he gave her that gift. Norma and Chris, without a doubt, are ideal models of how we should treat one another, whether we’re neighbors, family members, or strangers.
“It is with a heavy heart that I deliver the news that the world lost a really remarkable, lovely woman earlier this morning. Norma is now at peace in the hereafter, and while she is no longer physically present, her spirit will live on in the hearts of so many people. Perhaps Norma’s greatest legacy will be that her narrative helped the world understand the true meaning of love. Norma reminded me that we are all born to love and yearn to be loved.”
Chris told TODAY that Norma thought of him as the grandchild she never had, and that he thought of her as the most loving grandma. Remember that kindness and concern for one another can alter someone’s life this holiday season. Even if they are only a next-door neighbor.
