Leslie David is an urban explorer and photographer in Ontario, Canada with a passion for photographing abandoned buildings. Recently she found a rundown home that caught her eye. She knew she had to stop, explore, and take photos of it. The red two-story home was in shambles.
There were windows that were shattered, places where it looked as though the roof was caving in, and the weeds were growing out of control. Leslie presumed that the building was long abandoned. She wanted to get pictures of the inside and found her way in. That was when she was in for a huge surprise.
Once Leslie found her way inside, she found herself face-to-face with Lawrence, the man who lived in the home! Lawrence, an elderly man, was missing his right eye and had cataracts in his left. He rarely left his home. The two struck up conversation and he allowed Leslie to take his photo, as well as a few photos of inside the home.
A few days later she returned with some food for her new friend. The two spent several hours visiting and sharing stories as their new friendship blossomed. Over the next few weeks, Leslie continued to return to his home. She would bring him food and help clear some of the old appliances and trash out of his home. With each visit, Lawrence’s spirits were raised and he told Leslie that her friendship gave him the motivation to start living life again.
As time passed, Lawrence’s health began to decline. He was eventually moved from his home into a full-time nursing facility. However, Leslie said that their visits still continue even though he has moved. She still continues to bring him food there as well! Leslie said that meeting Lawrence was the best day of her life. It gave her a chance to do a true act of kindness for someone else without expect a reward in return.
