During an ice storm in Nashville, Tennessee, a man decided to check on his 98-year-old neighbor, fearing that something might have happened to him amid the climate chaos. Fortunately, he was just fine, and both shared oatmeal in a moment that has melted thousands of hearts online.
The man in question, author Carlos Whittaker, had the kind gesture with his elderly neighbor, a moment that was shared online by TikTok account Humankind and USA Today. On Instagram, he explained that the worst ice storm Nashville has seen in 30 years caused a power outage. Therefore, he needed to make sure everyone was okay.
With the freezing 8 degrees, Whittaker spotted Grey, his elderly neighbor, sitting in his car. He was not moving, and the vehicle had its headlights on. Then, the author’s wife handed him two cups of oatmeal and told him to check on the 98-year-old.
“Please be alive,” Whittaker said as he approached the car.
Things turned out to be fine, as Grey, while not moving, was only charging his phone. Given that there was no power, that was his only option.
“Are you trying to stay warm here, buddy?” the Tennessee man asked, relieved that the elderly man was, in fact, alive.
Oatmeal Shared, Reactions
Grey was doing fine amid the cold, and Whittaker offered the oatmeal. He was delighted by the kind gesture, and the two sat down inside their car, sharing the treat. For thirty minutes, Grey shared stories about his job at a phone company, about ice storms, and about life in general.
Whittaker, moved by the shared moment, wrote, “I came to check on him. He just needed company. In a world that moves fast, sometimes the most human thing you can do
is slow down and knock on a door. Check on your people.”
Users were equally moved by the Tennessee man’s kindness. One user said, “This is why I love the South and just being raised right. Thank you!!!!! This has made my day.” Another one wrote, “This is a true example of Christ-like behavior. Love thy neighbor.” A third one added, “Its videos like this that make social media wonderful.”
This sweet moment between two neighbors is like a breeze of fresh air amid all the negativity and division the world is currently facing. Thankfully, Carlos Whittaker is here to show us how it’s done, one oatmeal at a time.
