How well do you know your neighbor? Do you know them well enough to invite them into your home? And invite them to live with you?
In 2013, Chris Salvatore moved into the same hallway as Norma Cook, an 85-year-old woman, and her cat, Hermes. The two always greeted each other, but after Salvatore introduced himself, they became good friends.
In fact, they became such good friends that when Norma was nearing the end of her life and needed constant care, Salvatore, a 31-year-old actor, asked her to come live with him.
When Norma reached the age of 89, her health began to decline rapidly. After a hospital stay, Salvatore learned that Cook would not be allowed to return home unless she had constant care. With no children or family nearby, she was helpless.
Salvatore took to the internet and created a GoFundMe fundraiser for Cook. Once the two best friends tried out a few caregivers, the 31-year-old realized he was going to have to do something more.
“The only other option was for her to enter an establishment,” he says. “I just couldn’t do that to someone who is like my own grandmother. »
He invited Cook to move into his apartment.
“I am so happy that I was able to give her this gift of living out her last days at home,” Salvatore told GoFundMe. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to spend the end of your life in the hospital without your friends or pets. »
The two turned out to be great roommates.
“We always watch the news,” Cook says. “We mainly chat, drink champagne and eat peanuts. »
Sadly, on February 15, 2017, Cook passed away. Salvatore shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, where he usually shared the duo’s adventures.
“She thought of me as the grandson she never had,” Salvatore said of Cook.
Salvatore wasn’t obligated to help Cook in any way, but he couldn’t bear to see her spend her last days in the hospital without someone who loved her.
Share this article if you think we should all be a little more like Salvatore.