Mother-Of-2 Quits All Her Jobs to Care For 88-Year-Old Unfamiliar Widower So He Won't Die Alone

When a woman started working as an Uber driver part-time, she never imagined how much the job would change her life. She formed a friendship with an Uber passenger, and their beautiful bond will warm your heart.

It might seem like the world is filled with bad news, but there are still angels walking among us, and they don't always have wings or halos—sometimes, they drive a gray Toyota.

One woman was an angel in the life of an older man living in Ohio. A unique friendship began when their paths met by chance, and their bond was an example of selfless love and kindness.

THE UNLIKELY PAIR CONNECTED FROM THE START

Jenni Tekletsion was a remote worker in the process of obtaining a doctoral degree in business administration when her path crossed with an older man named Paul Webb. The duo met in 2020, during one of Tekletsion's shifts as an Uber driver.

Webb wanted to fix his phone at a nearby Verizon store in Columbus, and there was an instant connection between them during the trip. Tekletsion noted: "From the start, we really connected."

HE COULDN'T CARE FOR HIMSELF ANYMORE

Webb had a stroke in 2017 and developed dementia a few years prior. He lived alone, and the health struggles prevented him from sufficiently caring for himself.

Tekletsion found Webb easy to talk to, and she empathized with him because of his situation. She said:

"I could tell how lonely he was. I had a feeling that he needed help."

After a few minutes together during their first Uber trip, Tekletsion told Webb to contact her whenever he needed a ride in the future. She gave the widower her number, and he trusted her.

THEY HAD A BUSY DAILY ROUTINE

Webb took Tekletsion up on the offer and reached her the next day. As promised, she was there for him and pulled into his driveway with her gray Toyota RAV4.

Fortunately, Tekletsion lived close to her new friend and was happy to offer her services. Webb enjoyed his unlikely friend's company and shared that they got along well.

Running grocery errands, haircut appointments, and trips to the doctor kept Tekletsion and Webb busy. Their routine continued for more than a year, and they managed to fit in a meal together every day.

HIS KIDS COULD NOT SUPPORT HIM FULL-TIME

Tekletsion enjoyed driving her friend around, and she did it free of charge. She shared: "We talk about anything and everything, and we usually agree on everything."

Their friendship grew with every passing day, and the older man was thrilled to have someone to depend on. His children were unable to provide full-time support.

Webb's son, Keith, noted that his father was never open to receiving their help when they offered. Thankfully, when his health deteriorated rapidly in 2021, Tekletsion was there for him.

SHE HAD TO GAIN THE FAMILY'S TRUST

Webb's family had a few reservations about Tekletsion because she was a stranger. However, they quickly saw her genuine desire to help without ulterior motives.

Tekletsion explained:

"The hardest part was to build trust with his children. I explained to them who I am … and that I don't need anything from Paul, but I want to take care of him and help him in his daily life."

Keith was stunned by Tekletsion's willingness to help and later called her "the real deal." As Webb grew weaker and started to need around-the-clock care, his kids considered putting him in an assisted-living facility.

SHE MADE A RADICAL DECISION FOR HER FRIEND

Webb's kids were worried about his safety, and before they decided, Tekletsion stepped up to assist in a significant way. She expressed: "Please don't take him to assisted living. I will take care of him."

Part of Tekletsion's commitment was quitting her job to focus on Webb. The siblings were shocked but grateful. Keith noted: "There are people in this world that really care."

He added that her kind gesture was enough to provide hope in even the most hopeless situations and places. Tekletsion's radical actions displayed her selfless nature.

SHE MADE MANY SACRIFICES TO HELP HIM

Despite the challenges the decision would present in Tekletsion's life, she was eager to be there for Webb as a friend and caregiver.

The kind-hearted mother-of-two faced a 50 percent pay cut and sacrificed time with her loved ones to be there for Webb. Her husband also held three jobs to support their family, while Tekletsion offered her full-time services to Webb.

SHE FELT DUTY-BOUND TO OFFER HER CARE AND SUPPORT

Tekletsion's decision to work as an Uber driver was rooted in a desire to do good and spread the gospel. She sent any extra money to an orphanage in her home country of Ethiopia.

She also felt duty-bound to help Webb because of a personal reason. She was unable to help her own father when he was sick. He lived in Ethiopia, and she longed to be there for him, but circumstances did not allow it.

SHE LOST HER FATHER

Tekletsion's father tragically passed away in 2003, but she still had a longing to take care of him or another father figure in her life. She didn't think the longing would be fulfilled—until she met Webb.

She expressed: "I always missed my dad, and I was not there for his last days to take care of him." Her bond with Webb allowed her to look after the man who was "like a dad" to her.

SHE WAS LIKE A DAUGHTER TO HIM

Webb shared Tekletsion's sentiments and was immensely grateful for her presence in his life. He said: "I don't even want to think about losing her friendship. She is like a daughter to me."

When asked about her motivations for giving up her employment and devoting all of her time to helping Webb, Tekletsion's answer was simple.

With a smile, she stated:

“I love my dad and I didn't do this for my dad so that's what motivated me to quit my job.”

"HE DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE ALONE"

Tekletsion knew that Webb was dying and did not have many years left. She did not want him to spend his final moments alone and made the most of their time together.

Whether watching television or reading scriptures, Tekletsion wanted to fill her friend's life with joy—and she undoubtedly succeeded in her mission.

She expressed:

“A lot of people with a lot of wisdom are dying at home alone, so the rewarding part is changing his life and changing his last days. He's 88. He doesn't deserve to be alone.”

Tekletsion's selfless devotion is an inspiration for us. She put Webb's needs above her own and gave him the chance to experience his final season of life at home and with a friend by his side.