My grandfather lived a long and incredible life – he was 99 years old when he passed away. Though he felt happy and blessed to have lived such a long life, I remember him saying there was one thing that made it hard – losing his loved ones.
It is rare for people to live that long, so as he got older he was forced to watch almost all of his friends pass away. By the time he reached 99, his wife had passed and he had very few friends left that were close to his own age.
That can get lonely, a fact 91-year-old Art can attest. The World War II veteran has lived a full life, but ever since his wife passed away ten years ago he has been a little lonely.
Thankfully for Art, he lives in an area where people care about their neighbors and are willing to go the extra mile to show a little care and kindness.
When the deputies at the Sonoma County Sheriff Department learned that Art could use some company, they took it upon themselves to start making regular visits to his house.
For the past few months, deputies have been knocking on his door every week or two with a pie in hand, ready to spend some time with the elderly gentleman and listen to his stories.
I think when the deputies first decided to do this they thought they would be blessing Art. Little did they know how much they would be blessed in return!
Art is still “sharp as a tack” and enjoys sharing stories about his time as a U.S. Navy Seaman. During the war, he piloted a PT boat in the South Pacific.
Art has also shared stories about his wife, whom he clearly adored. In fact, he has kept her voice on the answering machine so he can still hear her voice every day.
Sometimes Art even treats the deputies to a performance on the organ his wife used to play for him.
“He is truly special and he makes our day as much as we make his,” the sheriff’s department said. “Art is a great example of how important it is to check on our neighbors and get to know them. You never know when someone needs a friendly face or a little support.”
This story is a good reminder for all of us. It is easy to go about our days without looking around us and seeing who might be lonely or in need of some extra care.
In a post sharing Art’s story, Frank Somerville of KTVU wrote, “I’m guessing we all know someone like Art. Someone who we could bring pie to. I’m sure it would make their day. It would probably make your day too.”
Hopefully this story will encourage others to look for “Arts” in their communities and take the time to show some love and kindness.
Were you touched to read about what these deputies have been doing for Art? So share this!