We Need Each Other
If you haven’t seen this story yet about Norah and her friend Mr. Dan, you need to. Read the full story here.
The two met on Norah’s forth birthday in an Augusta, GA grocery store. Her introductory statement: “Hi old person. It’s my birthday!”
Norah’s mom Tara Wood snapped this picture. 
From this chance encounter in the grocery store bakery, a friendship has blossomed. And Mr. Dan has found his way into a new family. Not only is Mr. Dan joining Norah’s family for Thanksgiving, he enjoys weekly playdates with his friend who is 78 years younger. For his 82nd birthday, Norah visited and brought balloons and some of his favorite treats.
For the first time since his beloved wife Mary passed away, Mr. Dan sleeps soundly through the night. Norah’s love and friendship is filling a void in Mr. Dan’s life. And Norah adores her new friend.
It is truly a heartwarming story! What can we learn from these two people who are on opposite ends of the life and age spectrum? A lot. (Really, if you didn’t read the full story – here’s a quick version.)
First of all, say hello! When you see someone in the grocery store, in a restaurant, at church, at the park or wherever else your day takes you, say hello. Look them in the eye. Smile. Everyone needs connections with other people. Follow the lead of people in your life who don’t have the filters that most of us have – kids are very good at this. Try to remember that we actually have very little that makes us different from each other.
Be welcoming. Change your perspectives by getting to know someone new and different. Take a chance on welcoming them in. Invite them to join your table, play on the playground, chat about the weather even.
Be sure to take time to learn about their story. Norah and Mr. Dan make a sweet pair without knowing any of the back story. But what an incredible richness is added to their relationship when we learn that Norah loves “old people” – because they have soft skin. And, in her words, she wants to “love ‘em all up before they is died.” And Mr. Dan lost his wife Mary earlier this year. He is lonely. He hasn’t slept well in months. He loves cheese Danishes.
Y’all, we need each other! Look around you as you go about your day. Who are the people around you? Look at them. Speak to them. Get to know them. Like Norah’s family, you may have to pull up an extra chair or two at the table for Thanksgiving in a few weeks.
Follow Tara Wood’s page here.