This touching and uplifting story demonstrates that humanity is still alive and well! It is from West Hollywood, California, USA. Norma Cook, an 84-year-old woman, lived alone in her flat with her pet cat Hermes.
When many people are left to fend for themselves, the passage of time can be brutal. Norma was lonely and in need of a companion. She was fighting a slew of ailments on her own. She had no idea that life had a new best buddy in store for her.
Chris Salvatore, a 26-year-old male, moved into the flat next door. And as soon as he discovered his neighbor, he introduced himself, and the two became instant best friends! They began having dinners, conversing about the neighborhood, and watching TV, thus eradicating Norma’s loneliness!
During an interview with TODAY, Chris stated:
“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 lovely friendship lasted five years. Norma began having breathing problems in 2016. She was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and then with leukemia.
Her physicians warned her that she needed 24-hour care for her health and couldn’t stay in her flat any longer and that she didn’t have much time until her sickness took her away. Chris, her best friend, stepped in and persuaded her to move in next door with him.
Chris spoke about how he felt:
“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.”
Nothing beats spending your final days with your dearest friend, Norma agreed. Chris looked after her, bringing her food and medications as they continued their neighborhood gossip and TV sessions!
Chris continued:
“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”
Chris set up a GoFundMe (now closed) campaign called “Help Norma Pay for 24-hour Home Care,” and the couple received more than $75,000!
Chris expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support:
“I’m so happy I was able to give her this gift of living her last days at home,”
“I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through the end of your life at a hospital without your friends or pets. I never expected to raise $50,000. It was definitely a miracle.”
“I’m so glad I was able to give her the gift of spending her final days at home,” she says.
“I can’t imagine going through the end of your life in a hospital without your friends and pets.” I had no idea I’d be able to raise $50,000. It was unquestionably a miracle.”
“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 who have nothing but goodwill in their hearts. Chris Salvatore, we wish you the best of luck in the future. Thank you for being such a good person!
Leave a Comment