People being all alone at old age is something that is way too common. Their children create their own families and move away, and many elderly are left by themselves with no one by their side.
Wanda is a 90-year-old lady from San Francisco, California, who was longing for some company for so long. Finally, she decided to do something about it, gathered the courage, and left a heartfelt note on one of her neighbor’s front door.
When Marleen Brooks saw the handwritten note, it made her ” heart sad,” but at the same time she was happy she would make a new friend.
The note said: Would you consider to become my friend. I’m 90 years old- live alone. All my friends have passed away. I’m so lonesome and scared. Please I pray for someone.”
Marleen paid Wanda a visit that same day. She introduced herself, brought some cupcakes, and spent some quality time with her elderly neighbor.
The visit was a great one, and Marleen decided to share the story behind this new friendship with Frank Somerville of KTVU News because she knew there are other people like Wanda out there who were feeling lonely and were in need of company. She believed it would make others reach to their elderly neighbors and be there for them.
“Frank!
She’s such a sweet lady!
And she was over the moon when we came over.
Wanda said:
‘I hope you didn’t think I was stupid for writing you, but I had to do something.
Thank you so much for coming over.
I’ve lived here for 50 years and don’t know any of my neighbors.’
Wanda has 3 sons, one died last year of cancer.
The other two live far away.
She’s 90 and and is on oxygen and has congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, among other ailments.
We brought her cupcakes (didn’t have enough time with work to make the banana bread).
I also made sure she knew she can call us at anytime and that I’ll be back to spend time with her!
I’m sure Wanda and I will have some great times.”
Posted by Frank Somerville KTVU on Thursday, 27 April 2017
The story touched the hearts of thousands of people. “I love this story,” Frank wrote in response. “And I’m so happy for Wanda. But as I said in my first post, there are so many others out there who are lonely just like Wanda. I would ask that maybe you consider knocking on their door and saying hi. I know it would mean the world to them. And who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend.”
I believe we should all act the way Marleen did and be there for one another.