In life, you never truly know how someone is feeling or what they are going through. If a person wants to talk, take a moment to engage them in conversation. This is especially important when it comes to the elderly. There have been times when I have invited people I knew were alone to share a meal or join a family event. If you notice someone seems lonely, your friendship could mean a great deal to them.

This man left a note saying he ended his life because he felt too old and had no family. He was alone in the world and may have felt deeply lonely. I don’t know his full story or what led him to that point, but perhaps a simple smile or a brief conversation at that McDonald’s could have made a difference. There is no way to know for sure, but maybe it could have helped.

The message I want to share is this: offer a smile and say hello. It costs nothing, and it might just save a life.