That is one of the strongest examples of chosen family.
What We Often Forget About Older People
Age can cause society to view older adults primarily through their needs.
They need assistance.
They need medication.
They need transportation.
They need healthcare.
They may need help at home.
But before any of those needs existed, they were simply people living full lives.
They had hopes.
Relationships.
Careers.
Adventures.
Stories.
Humor.
Regrets.
Dreams.
Norma was more than an elderly woman with leukemia.
She was a person with a history.
Chris knew her as a person.
Perhaps that is another reason their relationship mattered so much.
Love Does Not Always Look Romantic
Another interesting aspect of this story is the nature of their bond.
It wasn’t romantic.
It wasn’t biological.
It wasn’t based on financial gain.
It was affection.
Loyalty.
Companionship.
Family-like love.
That matters because society often focuses heavily on romantic relationships as the most important form of intimacy.