A man dropped everything to comfort his neighbor when he learned she lost her husband and offered a hug when she needed it most.
Neighbors sometimes form bonds that go beyond knowing each other’s names. Aldon O’Neill Ward and an elderly couple in his neighborhood had such a connection. For years, they shared smiles, music, and dance, even without knowing each other’s names.
Aldon often saw this couple, always together, in matching outfits and sneakers, enjoying their walks. He remembered one particular day in 2015 when he played Maroon 5’s “The Way You Look Tonight” loud in his Jeep. The man asked him to turn up the music, leading to a spontaneous dance with his wife on the street.
Their brief encounters were filled with joy. Whether Aldon was outdoors working or just enjoying his day, the couple would always respond to his music with a dance. It didn’t matter if it was country, metal, or rap; music was their shared language.
One day, Aldon noticed the woman walking alone. Curiously, he asked, “Where’s the better half?” The woman’s response was heart-wrenching. She stopped, shook her head, and with a trembling voice, said, “I don’t have him anymore.”
At that moment, Aldon’s heart sank. He stopped what he was doing and rushed to her side. He gently asked, “Ma’am?” She faced him, tears rolling down her cheeks. Without needing more words, they shared a much-needed hug. During this embrace, the woman shared, “I’m just trying to do the things we used to, so I still feel like he’s around…I needed that hug more than you know. Thank you for all the music.”
The woman expressed how much she missed her husband and how continuing their walks made her feel closer to him. She thanked Aldon for the music that had been a part of their shared moments over the years.
In moments of loss and sorrow, we’re reminded of the comfort and strength found in God’s love. He calls us to be His hands and feet, showing compassion and support to those around us. Let us always be ready to offer a hug, a listening ear, or a kind word, just as Christ does for us.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV).