A chance meeting turns into a long-lasting friendship.
Uber drivers are reliable but most of us wouldn’t expect them to become full-time caregivers. However, that is exactly what happened when 88-year-old Paul Webb called for an Uber and was picked up by 55-year-old Uber driver, Jenni Tekletsion. The two struck up a special friendship and when Webb could no longer care for himself, Tekletsion quit her job to become his caregiver.
Jenni Tekletsion met Paul Webb driving Uber, her side job. She was also a Banker. She learned of his Dementia, so for 2 yrs she drove him to all his errands. They became close. When he fell ill, she quit her jobs to become his caregiver! There is only one race, the human race! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/EKlzGovtvb
— Brunell Donald-Kyei (@brunelldonald) December 16, 2021
“From the start, we really connected.” – Tekletsion told The Washington Post
After suffering a stroke in 2017, Webb was unable to get around on his own. He met Tekletsion in March of 2020 after calling an Uber to take him to get his phone fixed. That chance meeting turned into a special bond that lasted the next two years.
She drives an Uber to help others.
Tekletsion was struck by how easy it was to talk to Webb. She also thought he seemed lonely and offered to help him run errands. “I told him I live nearby his house, so I said, ‘From now on, when you need a ride, just call me… I will take care of you.’” – scoop.upworthy.com
Their outings became more frequent.
Whether Webb needed to get his hair cut or visit a doctor, Tekletsion was just a phone call away. She would happily drive him wherever he needed to go. The two became close friends and Tekletsion would often meet up with Webb even after her shift. They would go out to dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. “We talk about anything and everything and we usually agree on everything,” she said – scoop.upworthy.com
Webb’s health was declining so Tekletsion made a decision.
Sadly, Webb was diagnosed with Dementia and his children were unable to care for him. Tekletsion’s own father had passed away in Ethiopia in 2003 and because she couldn’t be there, she felt a sense of duty when it came to taking care of Webb.
She reassured the family that she was there to help.
Webb’s children were a little leary of the relationship at first but soon realized that they shared a special father-daughter bond. “The hardest part was to build trust with his children…I explained to them who I am and where I come from, and that I don’t need anything from Paul, but I want to take care of him and help him in his daily life.” – scoop.upworthy.com
His condition worsened and the family was at a crossroads.
When Webb started to wander out of the house the family knew that he was putting himself at risk. They thought their only option was to put him into assisted living but Tekletsion offered another solution. She said, “Please don’t take him to assisted living. I will take care of him,” – scoop.upworthy.com. Webb’s son Keith was so grateful for her help. “There are people in this world that really care,” he said.
She took a 50% pay cut to become Webb’s full-time caregiver.
“She is the real deal,” Keith said about Tekletsion. This family knows how lucky they are to have someone as caring as Tekletsion. She is someone who genuinely cares for others and her story has inspired so many around the world. The person who is the most thankful is, of course, Webb. “I don’t even want to think about losing her friendship. She is like a daughter to me.” Webb said.
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