Woman was chalk-painting on the streets when an elderly widower stopped and made a request that left her choked up
One of the most impactful things we can do is find ways to brighten another’s day. We needn't look far, this can be done through our everyday actions and in between our jobs and chores. A woman named Emma Elizabeth Jasper (@thedilemmasofemma) has been spreading joy to strangers through her gift of creativity and art. When she encountered an elderly neighbor who told her that his wife had passed away, she decided to use the very opportunity to comfort him during his grief. She made an impromptu request to the man and it’s touching the hearts of many on the internet.
The woman adores chalk painting on the streets and often leaves artistic visuals of love and encouragement for many. She was drawing on one of the blocks when her elderly neighbor passed by. They got into a conversation. “You’ve got a lot of blacktop to write on,” the man said as he passed in his wheelchair. Giving him a big smile, Jasper added that there is “no limit on space," thanks to the unique canvas of the street. As the man continued to look at her work, she explained that a little girl had requested a unicorn and so she was busy making that.
The man gave a simple reply, “Yeah.” A few seconds into the silence, he decided to break the news. “I’m sad because my wife died last Sunday,” he said to Jasper. The woman’s smile quickly faded and the sorrow was evident on her face. She sympathized with him for his loss. The conversation likely went on, both the neighbor and the woman trying to be as positive as they could, despite the pain. When he was finished, he began to move back on his wheelchair when Jasper made an impromptu request. “Sir, is there anything I can draw for her?” The elderly man took a moment to think and said, “She loved anything and everything.”
When Jasper asked if there was any color or flower she liked specifically, he mentioned a “purple flower.” “You’ll know it when you see it,” she replied. There was something about that moment, humanity unfolding in its most fragile yet comforting nature. While grief filled the video, the soothing gesture made up for it. At the same time, the internet spotted a detail that added to the wholesomeness. Jasper’s t-shirt coincidentally happened to read, “You are exactly where you need to be.” Somehow, it was true. Her kindness was something the elderly man never knew he needed. Keeping up to her word, she decided to create something in honor of his wife.
The woman noted that she’d seen the man going up to the bus stop on many days. So she decided to chalk paint under the bus stop shade so it would last longer. She drew and colored a vase with the sweetest shades of purple flowers. One can imagine what it might feel like for the man to spot the gesture and recall his conversation, knowing a stranger shared in his grief and in honoring someone he loved. @courtneyfarkas said, “I love that you asked if there was something you could draw for her. It’s the little things.” @creationsxcourt added, “Your shirt was perfect for this. You were exactly where you needed to be.” @mondaynightgolden remarked, “Your kind of gentleness is exactly what someone who is grieving needs.”
You can follow Emma Elizabeth Jasper (@thedilemmasofemma) on Instagram for more content on art and humanity.