It was a simple, unexpected act of a young girl’s friendship that day in the grocery store that changed an elderly man’s life. Norah Wood had just turned four and she wanted to get cupcakes for the family to share that evening. As mom Tara browsed a grocery store shelf, her daughter blurted out, “Hi old person! It’s my birthday today!” Before Tara had a chance to quiet her exuberant child while hoping she hadn’t offended the gruff old man, the two began to chat animatedly. After parting ways, Norah insisted on taking a picture with the senior. What happened next became a national news story that touched the hearts of millions.
A Girl’s Friendship Brings Happiness
Tara Wood shared the story on her Facebook page and it shortly thereafter went viral. It was a simple yet beautiful tale of how one act of friendship could change a life. The then 82-year-old man, known affectionately as “Mr. Dan,” had just lost his wife and had been struggling with loneliness. When he met Norah, her loving, kind attention had an immediate impact on his mood. On one of the subsequent visits they arranged, Mr. Dan told Tara that he had struggled to sleep after his wife died. Once Norah came into his life, he slept soundly every night. “Norah has healed me,” he said. And the love and friendship only grew between the little girl and the old man.
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Tara brought Norah and her younger sister Marigold regularly to visit Mr. Dan. They spent time coloring, doing puzzles, and sharing stories. Mr. Dan told Norah stories from when he was young and shared his love of gardening with her. Their bond deepened, and as the story was shared, Mr. Dan received letters from all over the world. He and Norah tracked where the letters came from on a map, and the kind words of so many people only added to his happiness.
Gone But Not Forgotten
In the three years that Mr. Dan and Norah shared their extraordinary friendship, their adventures were shared on a Facebook page that Tara created. Followers tuned in to see sweet videos and pictures of the duo, and it was clear that Mr. Dan was now spending his twilight years in happiness. Sadly, Mr. Dan passed away on February 10th, 2020, just as unexpectedly as his friendship with Norah began.
The morning before, Tara and her girls had shared breakfast with their friend. He was happy and in good spirits, enjoying pancakes with the trio during their visit. The next day, he was gone. (3)
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Mr. Dan was a father of three, grandfather of five, great-grandfather of one, and close friend of a special little girl named Norah Wood. The story of a girl’s friendship with an old man will live on in the hearts of the Woods family and all who knew them, as well as the countless people who followed their story. Norah’s simple gesture of love towards a senior and the following friendship is truly humanity at its finest.
*Article originally appeared at Healthy Holistic Living.
