Little girl gives 82-year-old widower new lease on life

When 82-year-old Dan Peterson lost his wife, he fell into a deep depression. He was ready to give up on life until a 4-year-old stranger turned everything around. Steve Hartman met the unlikely pair "On The Road."

[@ThePhychoHero]

"A single act of kindness can ignite even the darkest times with a spark of hope."

[@DougCeleste]

WALTER: Well-said and so true! Thanks for sharing!

[@janesmith3287]

Exactly. My main advice to all my children and grandchildren is very very simple - be kind to others.

[@auntiemom3717]

Walter Kovalchuk ə..I

[@BlakeTedKord]

Walter Kovacs Star Wars theme kicks in

[@datbossychic1]

Walter Kovacs Hey

[@kazumy2558]

It made me think about elders; how often do they feel lonely? We should take more care of them, of everyone. Love is all we need.

[@hellolater4181]

kazumy lonely everyday. I do my best to help someone somehow each day. But I can barely pay rent and get the groceries. Widowed. Forgotten.

[@judelion8655]

Hannah Rose Kardos hang in there Rose! I'm a 47 year old single guy, very lonely& never married, completely alienated for my parents, siblings and friends [that I used to have], you could say I am forgotten too! I also barely make the rent! You got to look at the bright side at least you were married and had someone in your life!

[@KaylahDemi]

See, I have no problem having older friends and I'd like to give someone who needs it some company. But my fear is they won't like or accept me as I am lesbian with a girlfriend. I want to find some older friends who U can ask about life and learn about their experiences and their opinions and advice.

[@priscillalander5193]

Amen to that = )

[@daphnelattimer9952]

@@hellolater4181 At this very moment, you are not forgotten. You are being fondly thought of. I know grief can be so difficult. I know it well. I know life and bills and surviving can be tough as well. Always remember that you were created to give love and receive love. Here's some love from me today because you need it. Receive it into your heart and know you matter to me at this very moment and are not forgotten. Sending you warm wishes, Hannah.

[@aphrodite1252]

Btw nora is an Arabic name mean "light" , this little girl became a light in this old man life.

[@melodyofailingheart9400]

ᅵByul isn't the word for light Nour?? 🤔🤔

[@sujitgaikwad7179]

ᅵByul its noor actually that means light

[@Manda8789]

What does Nora mean? Short for Honora, an Anglo-Norman name from the Latin for "honor." It's also short for Eleanora, a Greek name meaning "light." In Scotland, Nora is the feminine form of Norman.

[@alznaati]

no she/he is right Nora does mean "single light" one of many meaning to that name in Arabic

[@qweenbqween2736]

😢😢😢😢😭😭

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

The love of this little girl probably saved this man's life. I hope they can share many more visits together.

[@billwilson5341]

I agree. I can't help but ask, "Where is his family?"

[@medeya560]

They have! They still see each other at least once a week.

[@exoticcar5482]

Their friendship continues to this day. Nora and Dan actually have a Facebook page where you can see updates

[@petrstanovsky7648]

Yes, she is like angel sent to him.

[@Ray19888]

OMG. I can't stop crying. What's wrong? Beyond touching.

[@jackwick8629]

ray lamar same here

[@mtminbugaha]

same here - warms your heart

[@BreezyMaylin]

Omg same

[@joycecunningham8785]

You feel it

[@styremcstyre]

You're humanity is working, don't be ashamed.

[@mrsunman6996]

How beautiful she picked her own best friend and well done to her mum for still visiting #imcrying

[@datbossychic1]

Mr Sunman69 Mer

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

This could be called "how to teach empathy".

[@ImAnderZEL]

O man the heart string are pulled well after this im not crying just got some dirt in my eye!

[@isaiahb8079]

hey anderz

[@beautifulbravebookwriter2866]

ummmmm, I'm out OK kleenex, this was a real heart felt story, old people have a special place in my heart....and so does children, and the combination of them both, well is beautiful...I see a few people that hit the dislike button on this story, and those are the kind of people is what's wrong with this world...beautiful story

[@beautifulbravebookwriter2866]

I agree, this story had tears of joy falling down my face...beautiful.

[@kimjones6999]

ImAnderZEL whatever u wont't me to feel your pain i feel no pain

[@1994g0]

Me too.

[@johntrust6217]

That little angel was definitely sent to him by God.

[@laughingallthetime50]

Or by his wife?

[@archiballarchi3922]

she saw her self in him(":

[@Overton_Windows]

laughingallthetime50 I confess I don’t really believe in that stuff, but that thought very much crossed my mind.

[@coolya8515]

Nope

[@ajrwilde14]

I hope he's appreciateative.

[@davidnatividad]

I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye.... both eyes...

[@laughsalot3992]

I Loooove this story, so sweet ....God sent him a little Angel named Nora. ✝💓💓👧🏼👴🏻💝💝

[@razackshomeandtours2510]

I'm in tears

[@amw7007]

laughs a lot Jesus is not a GOD or a son of GOD Jesus is just a humans being GOD specialist him with the message of peace love and morals like all the other prophets peace upon them all like Moses Noah Josef and the last prophet ever Muhammad peace upon them all they are all humans were chosen and given gifts to convince the people and to deliver the message of peace love and morals GOD is the great the only he have no son the only holy book thats never change is the Quran all the other holy books changed by king and priests to control the people we muslims believe in the most what Christians believe like we believe thats Jesus is going to come back in the end of time thats in the Quran

[@amw7007]

Jesus is not a GOD or a son of GOD Jesus is just a humans being GOD specialist him with the message of peace love and morals like all the other prophets peace upon them all like Moses Noah Josef and the last prophet ever Muhammad peace upon them all they are all humans were chosen and given gifts to convince the people and to deliver the message of peace love and morals GOD is the great the only he have no son the only holy book thats never change is the Quran all the other holy books changed by king and priests to control the people we muslims believe in the most what Christians believe like we believe thats Jesus is going to come back in the end of time thats in the Quran

[@amw7007]

Farah Razack Razack Jesus is not a GOD or a son of GOD Jesus is just a humans being GOD specialist him with the message of peace love and morals like all the other prophets peace upon them all like Moses Noah Josef and the last prophet ever Muhammad peace upon them all they are all humans were chosen and given gifts to convince the people and to deliver the message of peace love and morals GOD is the great the only he have no son the only holy book thats never change is the Quran all the other holy books changed by king and priests to control the people we muslims believe in the most what Christians believe like we believe thats Jesus is going to come back in the end of time thats in the Quran

[@CheersNE]

Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God~~Peter. I and the Father are one~~Jesus.

[@JoeMacStevens]

That made me feel so much love.

[@barbarastinson1155]

This video gets me through the tough times. Thank you Nora for showing so much love in your little body that some of us NEVER experience in a lifetime. Mom, you did well. Thank you for raising such a lovely little girl.

[@carolthomas8743]

Old people deserve love too. Children and grandchildren don't realize until they get old themselves what heartache is.

[@sharongreen4904]

She's an angel👼 you can see how happy he is since the meeting at the store.💕

[@lowesonia8551]

That beautiful connection of a 4yr girl" hi old person" and a hug ;that is purity and love at its most endearing, tears but happy one's. Dan And Nora happy New Year

[@dennisgriffin1874]

This brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it, and again just now as I watched it again. Amazing, and so touching, we all need some tenderness from time to time.

[@markyaquarius]

Kids ... wow, they know. She knew he needed a hug,

[@5203vjm]

Heart Warming....still kindness and love in the world !! Great to see it.

[@katierowen3166]

Steve Hartman, you make me cry every time with your wonderful heartwarming reports. Thank you for reminding us that there are kind people in this world.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Acts of kindness, often inexplicable, always warming to the heart and spirit. The world needs more kindness. Keep it coming, y'all...

[@bookielane9296]

wow!! thank you little one for saving an old man's heart from continuesly breaking... amazing story!!!

[@willwright2099]

Kids are amazing! They'll surprise you every time!

[@traceelewis-alexander5618]

Tears...the most BEAUTIFUL thing I've seen in a very long time...an Angel indeed...God bless them both!!!

[@DougCeleste]

After the election filled with so much hate on both sides, we needed to see a LOVING story like this!!! And it sure brought tears to my eyes.

[@redshot1015]

cbs is doing great with this i agree wow.. I literally hate MSM ,, this gives some hope

[@DougCeleste]

REDSHOT: Your last four words said so much in so few words. Thanks for your reply!

[@Femil90]

ye those Hillary supporters man

[@jenntmjenn]

Doug Celeste What a great way to spend 4 minutes of your life, ... watching this heartwarming story❤

[@DougCeleste]

JENN: Well-said and so true!! With too many stories of hate on the news in this country and abroad, a LOVELY story like this is just the refreshing change that we need to see and hear.

[@gedisdiop]

A heart wrenching, tearful story. Steve Hartman should get an Emmy, just for this story alone. Thanks for sharing.

[@macmac1625]

oh, the lessons that a young child can teach!💎💝 if only we would allow ourselves to look at each other with the eyes of a child.(innocence)then would true Love rule. you might not know, who could really use it. I am encouraged by this story!😊

[@anitrakindrick7268]

How can anyone dislike this story? I think that this is a wonderful act of kindness. The world needs more of this.

[@TheFishyJoker]

God bless that child. She has a heart of gold

[@maddie-ir1pf]

"Do you feel like you have a purpose now?" "Of course. Nora. Watching her grow up." MY HEART OH MY GOD DON'T DO THIS TO ME

[@cynicalbear8686]

Same 😭 that made me burst into tears

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Why wouldn't you want God to send someone to love you. ?

[@lovingmayberry307]

Great story!! The next time I see a cranky person, I'll try to remember that I don't know what his story is, and give him a smile!

[@billwilson5341]

Jude Lewis: Don't "try", do. ;-)

[@mtminbugaha]

we all should

[@470ohio]

I believe his wife sent the little girl

[@perezodhiambo1102]

Me too, I really believe she sent the little girl to save his life

[@Charrisnemtblueprint]

Me, too❤❤❤

[@Loveroffood41]

I truly believe that as well. One thing that I have a strong belief in is that our relatives that have gone on before us have seen us and know what is going on in our lives and bless us in the ways that we could never imagine because they know what we need.

[@sportsnewz5608]

She's dead how can she bring the little girl stop being delusional

[@TheLegendryZelda]

@@sportsnewz5608 his wife sent the little girl from heaven

[@Finians_Mancave]

This is a wonderful story. I found the obit on his wife, and as of mid 2016, Dan has six children and twelve grandchildren. How does a man with such a huge family feel so utterly alone? I hope, at the very least, the publicity this story got (and it got quite a bit) prompted his children to look at their situation and at least have a discussion. I get that children move away and build lives of their own, but hopefully the children and grandchildren have re-evaluated their lives and tried to find some quality time with Pops. (Spoken as a middle aged guy who moved cross-country to become caregiver to both of my elderly parents).

[@laughingallthetime50]

I agree. Surely they could ring him every day for a chat. With 6 children, that's only one call a week (save one day). If I was them, I'd be so embarrassed.

[@Lemons19902010]

I want to say that they should he ashamed of themselves, but I don't know their personal situations. Hopefully this story inspired them to be around more for their aging family member. No one likes to be alone.

[@davielawrence3773]

Me, my parents, my aunt and uncle and my cousin drive about 200km (one way) at least once a month to visit my grandparents. We mostly don't come to them all at once, but nearly every weekend someone else of us is there. I call them at least once a week. I can't imagine how people couldn't do that

[@amandawhisnant622]

I happen to be a certified nursing assistant, and I can always tell you that there's always an interesting family dynamic going on. You never know what the relationship is like between the patient adult kids, family. There's usually stress with finances, taking care of that person, and having to deal with seeing the elderly parent get old, their minds change.

[@cats0182]

If this is accurate, his 6 children and 12 grandchildren are the "poster people" for all that is ugly and crude in the world. "Family dynamics"? Who gives a damn? Get a grip and get real. He was your father. He did the best he could to raise you, nurture you, protect you from harm and help give you the skills to move ahead in life. Maybe he wasn't perfect, but he did the best he could and the best he knew how. And you all have the gall to let him be alone when it's your turn to "pay it forward"?

[@traciebutton1886]

That little angel is a grief seeking missile . I know as a homecarer that the elderly often feel lonely and isolated. I LOVE my job but can't work atm after being knocked off my bike by a cab reversing into me. I miss the people I care for. Especially the ones who only have their carers visit. Take a leaf out of this angels book. Visit elderly friends and family

[@Pinkdinosaurs7]

I think his wife sent him a little life saver for the sky ❤️

[@stethompson1403]

Emily absolutely

[@perezodhiambo1102]

I keep saying this!!! I really believe this!

[@KamranSKhan]

actually his wife must requested to GOD and GOD sent her to lighten this old mans life.

[@krisa388]

What a wonderful,wonderful story..what a little blessed angel...its impossible not to feel very touched by this beautiful thing she did...

[@marktravis3287]

This goes to show that a child knows, for some reason that someone is in need, and just shows how beautiful the little things can be. What a beautiful little angel

[@Ahymn_blue]

How could someone dislike this? This is heartwarming and had me tearing up!

[@peanut8272]

Bless that sweet baby... Know exactly how lonely grief is.... THANK U LORD 4 SENDING THIS LIL ANGEL his way..😓😓

[@blackwidow1458]

Spread some love,if you have a neighbour thats of age give them a hug, this man did and hes almost crying

[@gvenchy2476]

I feel like they knew each other in another life. This is amazing.

[@kroakie4]

Bless their hearts. This little girl could sense this man needed love. So she gave it in only the way a child can. In a way, she gave him his life back.

[@GETEM75]

Little angels come at just the right time in life. Thank God for them.

[@indigoskye9215]

I was having a bad day. Not anymore, this put a smile on my face 😊

[@cathyjudge2760]

oh ...the beautiful humanity..... no matter how "old/young" we are.... we are the same in our hearts

[@JALINATX]

GOD BLESS THIS MAN AND GOD BROUGHT THIS LITTLE ANGEL IN HIS LIFE TO BRING HOPE AND LOVE BACK INTO HIS LIFE.

[@ycart3285]

I used to be one of those people who never wanted kids. I still dont want a kid (until I'm 35, then absolutely) but my calling is to teach those precious kids. Children are so much better than us adults and have so much more wisdom from not being corrupted yet. I'm so excited every day that I have the privilege to be a role model (at least for a year) for my kids. They are my kids and I will love them until the day I die.

[@brendaechols2228]

This little girl is his wife's little angel. She knew he was hurting.

[@gatcha-verse-ella0814]

I almost cried watching this it was so sweet this little girl just has The audacity to just, give this older man a hug that is very depressed. I just love this video it just makes me smile.

[@elifineart]

Hats off for this elderly man, the fact that this pure sweet girl even wanted to have a contact with him just shows that he has a pure heart and always was and is a good human being, children are so much more sensitive then us adults to the energy of other humans, she is pure love and sweetness, God bless them both.

[@ineedmyhat]

What a wonderful world.

[@philippacowhig-morris5583]

Absolutely Beautiful ! What a special little lady X

[@courtneyvalentine3646]

Amen. God gave him hope and reminded him that he's still got love to give and he doesn't have to give up. I love it!

[@TheRescueDogs]

Still such a beautiful story, the courage of a little girl to extend love to a complete stranger in a way that changed both their lives, and is still inspiring people like me even 5 years later. Thank you for sharing.

[@add_xtine775]

That is my son, he knows no stranger and is always bringing smiles to everyone in the store, always wanting a hug lol. This just touches my heart and is so close to home for me.

[@tnh4235]

Beautiful story!! I am wiping my tears away!! His wife helped to guide this little angel towards him!

[@jamesdavies4622]

This video gets me every time. Such a wonderful story.

[@kelsey8177]

Mom, you have a special little girl there. It is amazing that children can see what adults cannot. Their meeting was not an accident and she is his angel. God Bless them both.

[@justadissociativewriter]

Nora is sent by God. If that guy is still alive , he's gonna be happy heaven is waiting for him.

[@rebeccablagdon-powell1865]

This is the most beautiful thing I have ever watched. Wtg Nora 💕

[@johnguillen68]

this is so amazing. I can't stop tearing up. It's a blessing when a child can bring so much joy to your heart. She is an angel who saw a broken heart man and gave him reasons to smile again.

[@meganlewis7110]

This story made me cry ...u never know what the person next to u in public is going through. This little babys random act of kindness should be a lesson to us all.

[@alessandrab.4195]

That is pure love. That little girl is such a kind soul to bring joy to someone like himself.

[@storidiva9683]

a little girl like that can spread the love we so desperately need today.

[@tinajackson8246]

She fits right in his arms.. What a beautiful story...

[@angelqbana3196]

This was the joy that had been missing in his life for a long time beautiful

[@NaiiBabesz]

Children have a natural affinity for the elderly. They can always tell when a person is good that is why Nora went to him and feels that bond. Bless them

[@ashphenix3066]

The people that put a dislike has no heart.

[@brentwilcox9449]

kindness costs nothing....follow this little girls lead...how incredibly moving!

[@blessyourheart836]

Ugh how sweet. You can tell that little girl has genuine love for him! If only we could be as children are.

[@medusa459]

Beautiful touching story. This means that in the past life they had a special bond only those two need to talk about it.

[@grumpyoldgraymetalhead2441]

And a child shall lead them. What a wonderful story.

[@ABirdOnTheMoon]

They are soul bonded. This was in her soul purpose, to meet him and to remind him of life. While I don't believe in incarnation, I believe souls create soul contracts with each other. So the special people you meet at certain milestones in your life, those unique almost out of this world people, are not random kind people or random act of kindness, they are souls you had a contract with so you will be going on your path .. and continue on it. I know this little girl was one to this guy! So beautiful and that bond between them can't be broken.

[@wiltuhoward8164]

Awww ❤️❤️

[@dukejohn8912]

Oh my gosh, That is the sweetest thing ever! Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.

[@sulyhasinto]

the tears just wont stop coming..i love all of them...

[@homebase967]

This is so wonderful!! Nora is a little angel!

[@ackwell11]

I watch this every now and then and it always makes me tear up. It's just so adorable

[@person_green1635]

My grandma just died about two weeks ago, my grandpa has no one with him... we live 7 hours away and the closest family he has lives 3 hours away... So we can't visit him often, but when we do we love talking to him and can't wait for the next trip... well at least it was like that before they started to forget who we were... my grandma forgot who my sister and I were... my grandma( a few years before she died) she said "who are those two girls sitting on our sofa?" And it was just heart breaking, but we still loved her. Now my grandpa is starting to forget, he forgot my brothers name and keeps calling my mom by my grandmas name (my mom is 28 years younger than my grandma)

[@akiba1972]

This makes me cry so hard out of joy to see his complete and utter happiness thanks to this wonderful little girl but also outta sadness because he should be surrounded more by family!! We have got to do better by our elderly

[@KreatewithIvy]

Omg I cried so suddenly. This is so beautiful

[@jakebernas2492]

im so touch.thank you little angel you give a big smile to an old man.god bless you both

[@lilwes3013]

I'll tell you what his wife saw the perfect opportunity to tell him that hey I'm still here his wife use that little girl to communicate and it worked I want to say God bless and his wife that died and God bless that little girl that sent a loving message to that old man he deserves everything in life his wife is his guardian angel God bless him

[@DougCeleste]

What a VERY touching reply and thanks for sharing!

[@perezodhiambo1102]

I think so too. I think his wife sent this girl to save his life.

[@weirdaustin757]

I cry everytime I watch this. Why am I watching his over and over. Heart touching story.

[@BADBOY-rc8ku]

What a beautiful story. Such a loving little girl.

[@nadyu8432]

Just thinking how many old people are living in depression caused by loneliness...all of us have one next to us...a neighbor, the old man who comes every Sunday at the church, an old professor forgotten by all his students...the seller from the little boutique...these people are around us and we ignore them because no one cares!! This child is a pure soul, is full of love and kindness and the biggest lesson that we have to learn...why we shouldn't follow her example??

[@jaxxoceans3866]

Someone Somewhere Somehow sent this little girl to this old man right when he needed it. Amazing

[@marieapple6866]

How beautiful. We never know when we will be touched by a little angel!

[@meldy9227]

Who put those onions here?

[@vibz123rulez]

i think i just got pepper sprayed pls help

[@Kawiilover-xs5ot]

•Melødy• yea I think my mom is cooking

[@americarocks6173]

So sweet! Kids are so full of joy and love. She will learn many things from her friend.

[@MrFelixify]

What and absolute little sweetheart! My god. I'm a grown man crying my eyes out. She is and angel.

[@katebrown3520]

i have watch this video over and over its so lovely a hug is a simple thing but to this man it give him a reason to live

[@saravoakes6968]

omfg , I am crying! this is such an amazing thing. what a wonderful little girl and what a wonderful bond between two humans..there is hope.

[@bevolinstewart8825]

God bless you little princess.I hope others learn from you,it brings tears of joy .I love you

[@Greemman1]

Pure genuine love we need more of this one person or furbaby can make a difference this is beautiful

[@mariamagana3396]

I love this story I keep watching it every time pops up

[@gdagod8832]

Children are just so pure and genuine it’s so beautiful.

[@RetiredTony]

Beautiful story!

[@kimberlydarling2216]

What a special little girl you have she has a light coming from her that is truly God

[@phillipmorrison4589]

What an amazing little girl, and a beautiful story ❤️

[@offkeyanthem173]

we need to take more care of our elders, they were the people who created the world we’re in today

[@paulinemarantha1176]

is it only me who cried while watching this video to the end? A little girl who is sweet and has a high sense of empathy, she is a little angel that God gave to that old man. God bless you.. little angel n old man. 😊🙏😘