Age ain’t nothing but a number for Chris Salvatore and Norma Cook.
It’s amazing how one small act of kindness can change someone’s life, and the most unlikely pairs can form the strongest of bonds. Such was the case with then-26-year-old Chris Salvatore and his 84-year-old neighbor Norma Cook.
When Salvatore moved into his new apartment in West Hollywood, CA back in 2012, he had no clue that the curious elderly woman staring at him from her kitchen window in the complex’s courtyard would become one of his best friends. After a quick greeting through the screened opening, he asked if he could come inside and say hello. Once Cook agreed, the rest was history.
Cook lived alone with her beloved cat, Hermes, who she immediately introduced to Salvatore. And the two quickly bonded over her favorite champagne and neighborhood gossip.
Over the course of their almost five-year friendship, they would share many precious memories. From pizza nights to lunches out on the town, birthday parties, holidays, and endless laughs. Over time, they grew to feel more like family as, for Cook, Salvatore became like “the grandson she never had.” And he too considered her a grandmother.
“We became best friends immediately,” Chris told People. “She had a lot of gay friends growing up that unfortunately passed away during the AIDS epidemic and, being gay, that bonded us right away — we talk about fashion and food mostly.”
So when her health took a turn for the worst following a decade-long battle with leukemia, Chris was right by her side. When the doctors told her she’d be in need of 24/7 home care, Chris immediately offered to be her primary caretaker.
Knowing she had just months to live, Chris started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to help cover the at-home costs Norma’s insurance wouldn’t cover, to make sure she would be as comfortable as possible. Over the years, the two had gained a small social media following for their adorable friendship, and have thus been able to raise over $77,000 so far.
For her part, Norma definitely seems to be young at heart and happy to spend her finals months with her young friend. And the love is definitely mutual: Chris describes Norma as a “firecracker” who “tells it like it is,” and he can’t help but gush over how grateful he is to have her in his life.
“I’m so lucky to have her,” he told People. “She’s changed my life. she’s made me a kinder more compassionate person. I feel honored to spend her last moments with her.”
This story brought tears to our eyes. We hope more humans like Chris exist who have nothing but kindness in their hearts. We wish you all the best for your future, Chris Salvatore. Thank you for being such a genuine human being!
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