Sitting among the garbage on a street corner in Brazil is a man named Raimundo Arrudo Sobrihno. He’s lived their for 35 years. The 77-year-old former book dealer and gardner says he writes poetry and short stories to maintain his sanity.

Just like many other writers, Raimundo says he had always wanted to publish his works in hopes that they would inspire other people, but no one would ever take a chance on a homeless author, that is, until one special day.

Raimundo moved to the countryside at the age of 23. After a dictatorship rattled the country in the late 1970’s, he became homeless. Regardless of his poor situation, he was determined to keep writing. It was, after all, his passion.

The locals never understood why he always clung to the scruffy pieces of paper. They had no idea those papers were full of stories and poetry where Raimundo’s passion had spilled onto the pages.

Then in 2011, Raimundo met a woman named Shalla. She spotted him sitting on the ground scribbling on the papers. She was curious and went and asked what he was doing. He honored her by showing her one of his poems. She was stunned with what she read.

She took the poem and shared it with the world by creating a Facebook page with his work. It has since accumulated over 100,000 followers. Thanks to Shalla, another miracle happened. People began getting to know Raimundo and giving him gifts and encouragement for his work.

Then one day Shalla got a message that shocked her. The message was from Raimundo’s brother. The brothers reunited, and after 35 years of living on the streets, Raimundo finally has a safe place to stay and write, and a family who loves him.

Check out the amazing video of Raimundo’s story and be sure to share this heartwarming story with your family and friends.