Dan Peterson was very sad after his wife, Mary, passed away. He spent his days at home in Augusta, Georgia, just staring out the window and watching the squirrels. Dan was 82 years old and felt like he had no reason to keep going. But then, one simple trip to the grocery store changed his life forever.
The CBS series A More Perfect Union shares stories about people finding special connections across the country. It shows how we have more in common than we sometimes think. Dan’s story with a little girl named Nora Wood is one of those amazing stories. You might want to grab some tissues for this one!
For six months, Dan said he mostly just sat around waiting to die. One day, he pushed himself to go to the local Publix grocery store. He didn’t like shopping, but he was trying to move forward. As he reached the end of the canned food aisle, he suddenly heard a little voice say, “Hi old person, it’s my birthday today!”
Dan was shocked. He usually didn’t talk to strangers, and now here was a little girl smiling up at him! Her mom looked very embarrassed. But then Nora asked Dan if she could give him a hug. It was like she somehow knew he needed one. Dan didn’t even think twice—he gave her a big hug!
That small moment started something big. Nora’s mom, Mrs. Wood, made sure they stayed in touch. Now, Dan and Nora visit each other at least once a week! Dan has grandchildren, but they are all grown up and live far away. Nora has her own grandparents too, but this friendship feels extra special.
Today, Dan Peterson says he lives to watch his “angel” grow up. ❤️
Watch the video below:
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