Little Norah Wood was eagerly anticipating her fourth birthday. The day before her special day, she shared with her mom, Tara, her love for elderly folks. Norah spoke about their gentle, slow movements and their soft, delicate skin. She wanted to “give them all the love” before they leave this world, understanding that they were approaching the later stages of their lives.

Touched by her daughter’s words, Tara shared Norah’s sentiment with her friends on Facebook.

On Norah’s birthday, after school, her mom took her to the grocery store for some celebratory cupcakes.

While they were browsing, Norah suddenly stood up in the shopping cart, exuberantly waving to an elderly man in the same aisle. “Hi, old person! It’s my birfday today!” she declared, hoping for a happy response from the stern-looking man.

Tara felt embarrassed, concerned her daughter might have offended him by calling him an “old person.” She contemplated apologizing and leaving quickly.

However, as she was about to quiet Norah, the elderly gentleman turned towards them and something wonderful began to unfold, altering the lives of everyone involved — not just his, but Norah’s and Tara’s whole family, too.

Tara Wood, a stay-at-home mom and writer in her forties, has a beautiful brood of seven children with her husband, Garrett. Tara recently recounted this heartwarming story on TODAY Parenting:

“The day before Norah’s fourth birthday, she seemed to foresee an extraordinary event.

After preschool, she gently reminded me to watch for the elderly person crossing the parking lot. She told me how much she adored older folks: ‘I like old peoples the best ‘cos they walk slowly like I walk slow and they have soft skin like I have soft skin. They all gonna die soon so I’m gonna love ’em all up before they die.’

Though her words took a curious turn in the end, her heart was in a beautiful place.

Impressed by her kindness, I shared her thoughts on Facebook, not realizing the depth of her words until the next day.”

“The following day was her birthday. Again, after school, she was keen on stopping at the store for cupcakes to share with her six siblings.

How could I refuse the birthday girl’s request?

We grabbed one of those massive carts shaped like a car, and Norah, with her little sister, zoomed through the aisles. When we settled on the cupcakes, a clearance rack grabbed my attention.

While I was distracted contemplating discount items, Norah was enthusiastically announcing to the world, “Hi old person! It’s my birthday today!”

The elderly man had a grumpy exterior. Yet before I could urge Norah to hush for her choice of words or pray to disappear into the ground, the man paused and faced her.

His rigid face melted into warmth, responding, “Well, hello little lady! And how old are you today?”

They exchanged a few delightful moments, with him wishing her a joyful birthday before we went our separate ways.”

A few aisles along, we spotted the gentleman again. I approached him, saying, “Sir, this is Norah, and she’d be thrilled if you’d take a birthday picture with her.”

His confusion shifted to surprise, then to joy.

“A photo? With me?” he asked, visibly touched.

“For my birfday!” Norah eagerly added.

He agreed. I captured the moment on my phone: Norah’s small hand resting gently on his worn hand. He gazed at her with shining eyes as she examined the veins and lines on his hand, then kissed it, placing it on her cheek. His smile was a beacon. He introduced himself as ‘Dan.’

Customers around us paused but didn’t mind, feeling the magic in the air as Norah and Mr. Dan connected like old friends.”

When we finally said our goodbyes, Mr. Dan’s eyes were moist with emotion as he expressed, “No, thank YOU. This has been the most wonderful day I’ve had for a long time. You’ve truly made me happy, Miss Norah.”

As we parted, Norah watched him disappear from view.

I was overcome with emotion following their encounter.

The story and their photo soon made its way onto my Facebook.

Later that evening, I was contacted by someone who recognized Mr. Dan.

He had lost his dear wife, Mary, the previous March, leaving him in solitary grief. This friend was certain that Norah’s sweet attention meant the world to him, something he desperately needed and would cherish forever.

I asked for his number and reached out to him shortly thereafter.

Our visit to Mr. Dan’s home was nothing short of memorable. His charmingly kept home displayed touches of Mary everywhere. He had tidied up with a neat haircut, clean shave, and smart attire, looking a rejuvenated ten years younger.

He kindly prepared a child’s table with paper and crayons for Norah, who immediately began creating art for his fridge.

We spent nearly three enriching hours with Mr. Dan that day, filled with laughter and kind, patient interaction. He tenderly wiped ketchup off Norah’s cheek and even shared his meal with her.

Before leaving, he cut a lovely rose from his porch garden, carefully removing every thorn before gifting it to his new little friend, Norah.

That rose, preserved now, rests under Norah’s pillow in a Ziploc bag.

Norah often thinks about Mr. Dan, asking about his well-being, wondering if he’s warm or has enough cheese for his sandwiches. She cares deeply about his happiness and well-being.

In turn, Mr. Dan holds Norah close to his heart. Following another visit, he admitted the profound impact their meeting had on him. Trouble sleeping since his wife’s passing, he found peace in sleep thanks to Norah’s presence.

He shared, “Norah has healed me,” leaving me without words, tears in my eyes.

Separated by 78 years, their connection feels timeless and familiar.

Norah and I now visit Mr. Dan weekly — if only for brief moments to offer a hug or bring him a sweet cheese danish, his absolute favorite.

We’ve invited him to join us for Thanksgiving. He’s part of our family now, like it or not, welcomed by Norah and her siblings’ overflowing love.

This story shows us how reaching out to strangers can lead to new, beautiful friendships.

Perhaps you might give it a try and see where it takes you.

It’s no wonder this touching story is warming hearts around the globe. I’m so grateful for the friendship between Mr. Dan and Norah, and I hope they continue to cherish their bond for many years to come.