A young man’s simple but powerful act of kindness towards an elderly woman is going viral this week, touching the hearts of people all over the world.

Jamario Howards was out eating with friends at Brad’s Diner in Oxford, Alabama last week when he noticed an elderly woman sitting at a table alone.

“My exact thoughts [were] ‘dang I’d hate to have to eat alone,’” Jamario recounted in a Facebook post.

Not wanting to see her eat by herself, Jamario walked over to her table and asked if he could sit with her for a bit. After she said yes, they started to talk, and he learned that she was a widow named Eleanor whose husband had only recently passed away. She told him that the next day would have been their sixtieth wedding anniversary, which was going to be an understandably tough day for her.

“I instantly gave my condolences and asked her to come eat with us, which she was excited to do,” Jamario said.

Eleanor proceeded to enjoy a good meal with Jamario and his friends, and each of the young men learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

“The point in this is always be kind and be nice to people,” Jamario wrote. “You never know what they are going through. This woman changed my outlook on life and how I look at other people. Everyone has a story, so do not judge!”

Social media users have been praising Jamario and his friends for this act of kindness.

“What kind human beings you all are to care so much for someone else,” one person commented. “I’m sure she will never forget that night Every act of kindness can change the world. Bless You!”

“You got a big heart and this is awesome!!!” another internet user wrote. “More folks should be like you.”

We applaud Jamario for his compassion towards this woman. We need more people like him in the world!