Aging is no doubt difficult. From the aches and pains to the slowing down of that little pep in the step, it’s something we all battle in different ways. But perhaps the most troublesome part of it is losing your loved ones in the process.

Marleen Brooks of the San Francisco Bay area has learned this harsh reality first-hand.

In a post she submitted to Frank Somerville of KTVU Fox 2 in California, Brooks shares the simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming news of an elderly neighbor who wrote her a letter, begging for Brooks to be her friend.

The letter reads:

Would you consider to become my friend. I’m 90 years old- live alone. All my friends have passed away. I’m so lonesome and scared. Please I pray for someone.

Somerville shared the letter Brooks received, commenting:

I wanted to post this as a reminder that there are a lot of lonely people out there. Especially elderly people.

If you know someone like that in your neighborhood maybe consider going over to their home and saying hi. Maybe bring them some cookies too.

I guarantee that you will make their day. But at the same time you may also make a new friend.

How great would that be?

Brooks followed up with Somerville, stating that she was heading over to see her new friend immediately and bringing some of “Nana’s magical banana bread” to kick the friendship off on the right foot.

Somerville has asked Brooks to send some pictures as well as a PO box number so people all over can send the woman heartfelt cards and letters to let her know she is, in fact, not alone.

As a child, I remember feeling sad every time I saw an elderly person alone in public. I also remember thinking that this was silly because what did I really know about the person’s circumstances? They could be lonely, but they could also just as likely be surrounded by loving family and friends.

The truth is, we never know someone’s story, which is why it’s important to always choose kindness.

Here’s to a great first meeting between Brooks and her neighbor and a fast friendship. May they light each other’s lives up in ways they had never imagined possible.

To follow this story, visit Frank Somerville KTVU on Facebook and see his original post below.