My mom and dad, two elderly people, have lived all by themselves. I reside in another state and often think of them, although I don’t get to pay them a visit as often as I would like to.
Recently, they started getting frequent visits by their 15-year-old neighbor who’s been doing a bunch of errands for them. He checks on them, mows their lawn, accompanies my dad to the grocery store, helps him pick out items, carry them, and unloads everything inside.
He does all this without being asked. He just feels like he needs to land a helping hand to two fragile people in need of some company and compassion.
I knew this young man was there for my parents whenever they needed, but what I didn’t realize was that he genuinely cared for them and considered them his real grandparents.
When my mom ended up in the hospital, the boy appeared at the hospital room. He seemed scared and extremely worried for her. His eyes were watery. The moment he looked at my mom, he cracked.
Trembling, he asked me if he could approach closer. I agreed, and he gave my mom a hug. She hugged him back and the two started crying. They stayed in embrace for a couple of minutes and it felt like they never wanted to let go.
They held each other in silence, sharing a moment that bound them together by something beyond words.
When he was ready to let go, he wiped his teary eyes, and whispered to me, “Don’t worry, I’ll be there for them. I won’t leave them alone.”
His words touched my soul forever. That boy has been a true representation of kindness.
I was certain his parents were proud of the man they raised, a man of compassion and integrity.
As I left home, I felt at peace knowing that at my absence, my parents were in safe hands.
