A chance meeting can change your entire life. That’s just what happened for a Whole Foods employee.
TJ Lawlor had a random encounter
He was having a typical workday at the Redwood City Whole Foods location.
He has a friendly face and a demeanor to match, so it comes as no surprise that he meets and helps a lot of people. Usually, though, that’s where it ends.
Then a boy with Down syndrome came in and changed his life.
Friendship found among the frozen foods
As TJ busies himself stocking the frozen foods, he notices a young boy making his way down the aisle.
“Eventually he got to me and I said, ‘Hey, how are you today?’ And I introduced myself,” – TJ told NBC Bay Area.
A question met with endearing enthusiasm
After saying hello, TJ asked him if he would like to help him stock the freezers.
Riley was all too happy to agree and he reveled in every moment of the experience.
An unforgettable kindness
The young boy, Riley Dehne, who was 13 at the time, was with his mom Ande.
TJ’s kindness had made such a lasting impression on both Riley and Ande that they decided to make weekly visits to the store just to visit their new friend.
That was six years ago and those weekly visits are still going strong.
“It honestly fills my heart. Sometimes, when there’s someone with a disability it can be harder to get to know them. TJ took the time to get to know Riley. He took the time to meet him where he’s at, to learn his strengths and build on them.” – Ande told NBC Bay Area
Riley began to open up.
Each week Andi brings Riley, who is 19 now, to the store to see TJ. Riley wastes no time finding TJ as his mom grocery shops.
Ande was so touched by the unlikely friendship that she wrote a story about it for the local paper. She mentioned how her son’s demeanor has changed for the better.
TJ’s friendship had boosted his confidence and enabled him to come out of his shell.
“I’m glad the stars were aligned right here.” – TJ told NBC Bay Area
TJ was shocked reading Ande’s story.
“That just blew me away, that really did. I never thought that little ol’ me would have such an impact on someone else’s life like that.” – TJ told NBC Bay Area
Riley isn’t the only one to gain.
TJ told NBC Bay Area that his life has also been positively impacted by the special friendship.
“Every time this guy comes in, nothing but love, nothing but smiles. I get down sometimes myself. This guy cheers me up. He cheers me up and I cheer him up. That’s what I look for in a friend.” – TJ told NBC Bay Area
Best buds for life.
The story of TJ and Riley is a perfect example of life’s little unexpected detours that make the entire journey worthwhile.
See more of this touching friendship in the video below!
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