Few of us get through life without experiencing at least a temporary disability. And yet being able-bodied is something we often take for granted.

Meeting Harold

In September of 2019, crane operator Shawn Beveridge was working at a site outside of a nursing home in Ohio. And every day since the start of the job he saw the same man sitting in a wheelchair outside the nearby nursing home.

He’d be there at 7 am when they began working, take the same lunch break the crew did, and then go back inside when the engineers went home for the day.

Beveridge said he originally thought “he’s just a curious old man and wanting to enjoy his days outside vs being cooped up in his room.” And while that was likely true, he found out the whole story one day when he decided to approach Harold and introduce himself.

In a Facebook post from September 11, 2019 that has now been shared over 200,000 times, the crane operator introduced his new pal:

“This is my friend Harold! Not the guy in the man lift but the one behind him in the wheelchair on the sidewalk. He stays in the nursing home across the street from where we’re building.”

Harold’s story

The two men had a long conversation – about 2-and-a-half-hours long! It was then that Beveridge learned the sad truth.

“…long story short Harold is nearing the end. His heart valves are clogged and some disease has been eating at him for years. ( I don’t know the name of it) and when he was able to work before everything had happened to him health-wise he was a crane operator. He said he enjoys seeing what he use to love to do for a living and never thought he’d ever be able to see or be around a crane again and let alone be so close to see one in action.”

It turns out the old man was spending his final days reminiscing about his old job and really enjoyed seeing the men at work.

And while we don’t know anything about his family situation (and should not be quick to judge), he told Beveridge that while he has 2 daughters and a son, he hadn’t seen them in 7 years.

Without visitors at the nursing home, Harold had to find other ways to entertain himself.

Two men strike a deal

Beveridge decided he wanted to do something nice for Harold. And while the man originally asked (jokingly, we imagine) t0 be put on the payroll, they came to a different sort of agreement.

“Our deal is this, Harold ran cranes for over 50 years and no matter how good you think you are at something there’s always more to learn. So I told Harold every day after work I’ll sit with him for a little bit so he can critique me and judge me on how I did for that day (give him something to talk about that he enjoys) while I also get to learn from him and In return I would bring him a black coffee every morning for as long as I’m here and buy him lunch twice a week from wherever he chooses….”

So Harold got to share his expertise (and be appreciated for it!) and made a new friend he could talk to a couple of times a week. It’s no surprise that he agreed immediately.

As for why Beveridge chose to share the story on Facebook he said:

“I guess I’m writing this post bc if i would have never walked over to him i would have never gotten to know him. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to make this mans last days enjoyable. Filled with purpose and to be able to help him smile again. I challenge any of you on here to not be like I was in the beginning and don’t be afraid to make someone else’s day better.”

It’s no surprise the duo’s story has gone viral multiple times and people continue to comment with well-wishes on Facebook.

Be sure to scroll down below to see the original post in its entirety.

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Source: Fox 8 News, Facebook – Shawn Beveridge