He Could Relate

Getting onto a crowded elevator on the first day of our cruise, I smiled at an elderly man who was traveling with his wife and granddaughters. He was bent and twisted at the waist, and holding onto a walker for support. A moment later, a mentally handicapped boy, around 8 years old, entered the elevator with his nanny. In all innocence, this child placed his pudgy little hand on the elderly gentleman's hand and left it there. The nanny, noticing this, gently tried to remove the child's hand, probably thinking he was bothering the man. With a warm expression, she said, "He's holding onto you for dear life!" Returning the grin, this sweet old man said, "He's perfectly alright, and I know the feeling!" I felt tears fill my eyes and was very grateful to have witnessed this heartwarming encounter.