"Age is truly only a number," we can only remark when two souls meet and form an unusual bond. Meet Chris Salvatore, an actor, model, and singer from the United States. He is most remembered for his role as Zack in the movie series Eating Out, but his most memorable part was as the caretaker for his ailing 89-year-old neighbor, Norma.
We’d love to share a beautiful story with you, demonstrating that the world is full of kind people who are willing to take care of others.
1. They totally met by accident
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We don't know if you believe in something called destiny, but some people in our life truly serve a larger purpose. Chris, a Hollywood star, and his elderly neighbor, Norma, begin their story modestly, as Norma used to live across the hall from Chris. They were simply acquaintances at the time, but the actor once invited the lady over for a conversation. In an interview with The Today Show, he said, "She just appeared so kind, and it was like this immediate friendship."
2. Their relationship developed into best-friend friendship
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You may call it a coincidence, yet the two met at a pivotal point in their lives. Chris was experiencing a difficult period and needed Nora's support and company more than anything. He remembers having a breakup at the time, and she being a really supportive and kind person with whom he could express his problems. While doing enjoyable BFF things like cooking together, the unusual couple had countless chats about love, life, and fashion.
3. Nora’s illness
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Nora, on the other hand, was fighting her own war. She had been diagnosed with leukemia ten years before, and she had spent time in and out of hospitals until her most recent visit to the doctor, when he delivered some unexpected news. Nora wanted to die gracefully and on her own terms, so she declined more treatments, and the doctor agreed to let her go home with one condition: she would have 24-hour home care. This was a major issue for her because she had no family in the region; however, Chris stepped in to help his best buddy.
4. Accompanied till the end
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Chris knew he would do anything for his soulmate, so bringing her home was not a simple option for him. He had to first become Norma's principal caregiver and find out the way to pay for her massive medical bills. As a result, he created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the cause. The actor was fortunate to have a supportive neighborhood and raised almost $77,000.
5. Chris taking care of Nora
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Changing from Nora’s BFF to her main caretaker was a difficult transition for the young actor, but he still found the way to fulfill what he needs to get done with his warm and loving heart. Chris said that he felt fortunate for being at her side during her last moments. He sincerely believes that kindness heals, and that we all got a universal responsibility to assist and understand others' hardships. The actor reminds us that being a light in someone else's life illuminates your own path as well, and nothing is more powerful than pure love.
6. Bidding farewell
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Unfortunately, Norma has passed away, but her soul lives on in the form of connection, care, and love for others. Of course, saying goodbye was difficult for Chris, but he knew the moments they shared were irreplaceable.
Please be inspired by Chris' tale and do something nice for a friend, relative, or total stranger today.