An impromptu photo snapped by a customer at an Indiana McDonald’s has gone viral for capturing a sweet moment between strangers. Amanda Marquell Craft was at her local restaurant in Noblesville when she saw an older woman ask a young man sitting alone if she could join him at his table. He agreed and when Craft saw them conversing and laughing she took a photo, which she later shared on Facebook.
She wrote, “Shout out to this guy! “This elderly lady (seemed to be a little lonely) came up to him and asked if she could sit with him. Without hesitation, this guy said ‘of course’. My friends and I watched him introduce himself and shake her hand.”
“They talked and laughed together like they were friends,” she continued. “They didn’t know each other, and they couldn’t be more different. But today they shared a meal together and it touched our hearts.”
SOURCE: Amanda Marquell Craft
The photo and the sentiment it conveyed soon gained traction and went viral globally, with many people commenting how much they loved seeing the connection between strangers.
Craft later told ABC News that she believes that people want to see more acts of kindness in the world. “It struck a chord with everybody because you don’t see that,” Craft said. “I think that’s what people are hungry to see is the kindness of others.”
The news channel identified the man as 28-year-old father Eric Haralson. He told Good Morning America that the woman introduced herself as Jan. He said the two talked for 45 minutes about his family, church and exchanged phone numbers at the end of the meal. He hopes they stay in touch.
Craft later marveled about the positive effect the photo has had on Facebook, “What an amazing outpouring of love, kindness, and overwhelming encouragement! Our post has made it across the world! It’s been shared in Switzerland, Hungary, and a few other countries that I can’t recall at the moment! …I was contacted my numerous people in private telling me how much they loved the story, and they thanked me for sharing! This one act of kindness at a Noblesville McDonald’s spoke to people across the world, and reminded everyone that Kindness Matters!”
She went on to thank Eric and Jan writing, “The two of you have truly touched the world with your kindness.”
It’s heartwarming to see such a simple moment of connection between two people inspire and touch millions of others.
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