A Touching Encounter: Why Did the Elderly Couple Cry, and How Did the Police Respond?

It was last Tuesday when the neighbors of an elderly couple living in a suburb on the outskirts of Rome were alarmed by the sounds of distressful crying coming from their apartment. They promptly reported it to the police. "We arrived at the apartment after receiving an urgent call," one officer recounted. "The suspicion was that an intruder had broken in and tried to harm the defenseless couple, or that one of them had harmed the other. Either way, we felt like we were about to step into a real 'crime scene,' not a pleasant thought at all."

But the officers were in for a surprise when they entered the 'crime scene.' "What we discovered was far more heartbreaking. After a brief inquiry, it became clear that the elderly couple were crying and shouting for one simple reason: they felt terribly lonely."

According to the officers, this couple has been married for 70 years, but no one has visited them for a long while. Due to their illnesses, going outside is a rare privilege. "The television is practically their only connection to the outside world. However, a moment of frustration from the news they were watching led to a profound sense of alienation and sadness, resulting in their cries and shouts."

Faced with such an awkward and sad situation, the police decided to stay and keep the elderly couple company. They even cooked them spaghetti with butter and Parmesan cheese, using ingredients they bought with their own money. "We heard so many interesting stories about their lives and ended up spending quality time with good people, whom we intend to stay in touch with."

Here's a reminder for the next time you see an elderly man or woman on your street: inquire about their well-being, smile at them, offer assistance, and visit them from time to time. There are so many opportunities for mitzvot and acts of kindness that can come from simple actions in daily life, so many chances to do good for others and ourselves.