You never know when the tiniest gestures of goodwill can change lives. Even a simple act like smiling at a stranger or holding a door open for someone can lead to heartwarming friendship and love between human beings.
When Louise, Texas woman Brooke Ochoa, 30, held a door open for an elderly lady at a restaurant, that’s exactly what happened.
The lady’s name was Delores. By chance, Brooke overheard her ask the waitress for a “Table for one.” Brook was also dining alone, so took it upon herself to walk up to Delores and say:
“I’m eating by myself, too. Would you like to have lunch together?”
Now some people may enjoy eating alone, but Delores was delighted to have company, which was apparently a rare occurrence for her.
Here is what Brooke posted to Facebook:
“Today I Went to eat at a restaurant for lunch and I saw this elder lady coming from afar so I waited to hold the door for her, she was very thankful and sweet.
She then told the waitress, “table for one”, so I waited and hesitated but then I walked over and said, “I’m eating by myself too would you like to have lunch together?”
She was ecstatic! Come to find out she spent the last decade living with her mom who recently passed away and her aunt who recently was put into a nursing home, so she has been having a hard time being alone.
We had a wonderful talk, and she just kept smiling and saying thank you for listening to me, which made me smile too! Her words healed my heart just as much as I healed her lonely one. By far the best decision I’ve made all year!!! Her name is Delores, and we will be having lunch every Thursday from now on.”
As it turns out, Brooke has been on a long weight loss journey, which can also feel like an uphill climb.
But this friendship soon took on a bittersweet tone. Brooke posted that Delores died soon after their first lunch.
*UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE*
Delores passed away soon thereafter this post. I am delighted that it still touches so many lives in such a positive way. Thank you all for your support and your kind comments!
This was devastating news, but it warms our hearts that this sweet older lady made a friend and was able to talk to another human being before she passed.
We need more people like Brooke and Delores in the world. May she rest in peace.