After the horrific tragedy that unfolded on August 3rd, 2019 at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, it is easy to say that faith in humanity gets tested. A gunman entered the Walmart and opened fire, killing 22 people and leaving many others injured. This act of domestic terrorism was fueled by hate and racism and left many lives changed forever.

One of those whose life was forever changed was that of Antonio Basco.

Basco’s wife, Margie Reckard, was one of the people killed in the mass shooting in El Paso. According to CNN, Basco and Reckard met 22 years ago and became inseparable. After her trip to Walmart on that day, Basco was left a windower, losing his wife and only living relative.

Given the fact that he had no family, Basco extended an invitation to the public to attend the memorial service for his wife. He was worried that it would be just him there to celebrate her life.

According to People, in the first day of inviting the public, the funeral home that was arranging the service, Perches Funeral Home, had so many inquiries that they needed to rearrange where it was going to be held to accommodate more people.

In a heartwarming twist, the support that he received back was overwhelming. Not only were people going to attend the service, but also many more people than they expected or even were prepared for.

It makes you remember that there are not only hateful people in the world, but also a lot of good people with sweet, wonderful hearts.

CNN reported that at her service, Basco “walked into the La Paz Faith Memorial and Spiritual Center to a storm of applause and a procession of people wanting to hug him”. The place was filled with approximately 400 people, with an additional 700 or so people outside.

It’s a sad thing that such a terrible tragedy could bring people together like this; however, it’s also so incredible to see that there is good in this world. That out of something so dark and awful, there are people who choose to turn to love and kindness.

Aside from the service, there were also scores of flowers sent to the funeral home and a GoFundMe set up for Basco.

Since his wife’s death, he has been spending his days going to go visit the memorial set up behind the Walmart and bringing her flowers.

These strangers who made it their mission to support a man in mourning are a reminder that good does still exist in the world.