Chris Salvatore, a 31-year-old actor, moved in next door to Norma Cook, an 89-year-old woman who lived alone with her beloved cat, Hermes.
Despite their age difference, the two quickly became great friends through their regular friendly exchanges. When Norma’s health rapidly declined, and doctors said she could no longer live independently, because she needed a round the clock care and supervision, Salvatore stepped in to care for her.
He invited Norma to move in with him, as her only other option was to go into a care facility. Salvatore felt he couldn’t bear to see his “grandmother” in a facility. For the next few months, Salvatore and Norma lived together, with Salvatore cooking for her, and the two spending time watching the news, talking, drinking champagne, and eating peanuts.
Though the doctors had given them little hope, Salvatore and Norma were able to share a few more precious months together, making the most of the little time Norma had left. Sadly, Norma passed away on February 15, 2017. Salvatore was heartbroken, pondering on how Norma usually referred to him as “the grandchild she never had.”
Their heartwarming friendship, forged despite their age difference, is a testament to the power of compassion and the bonds that can spring up when we activate the full option of the humanity in us.