Checking in with someone isn’t just good for them; it’s good for you, too. 

May 25, 2026

About two years ago, I had an unexpected encounter with a senior who would go on to change my life just as much as I changed his. It was one of those moments that comes completely out of the blue. One minute you’re going about your day, and the next, someone enters your life who you never saw coming. Not only did I gain a friend, but I have also learned so much about life. 

Just yesterday, we were heading out for an afternoon fishing trip when our electric boat motor wouldn’t work. As he rowed us around the lake, I found myself feeling a deep appreciation for this man and the joy and value he has brought into my life. 

I want to share a short story, because the takeaway is simple: checking in on people doesn’t just help them, it can truly enrich your own life and even lead to lifelong friendships. 

It was a warm summer day, and I was on my way to visit friends at a nearby lake. On the side of the road, I noticed an older man with a cute dog and a fishing boat, struggling with a flat tire. I pulled over to help, and after getting him back on the road, he was incredibly grateful and insisted on paying me. I declined, but he was persistent, eventually offering payment in farm animals. Somehow, we landed on a female goose. 

I didn’t think much of it at the time. Life went on, and I didn’t see him again, until one day, he showed up at my house with a goose in tow. 

As we got to talking, I learned that he lived alone and didn’t have family nearby. He was a social person who genuinely enjoyed connection. I started stopping in after work to visit and check in on him. The more I visited, the more I realized something unexpected-while I thought I was doing something kind for him, he was giving just as much, if not more, back to me. 

Over coffee, he would share stories about his life, his childhood in Germany during the war, his journey to Canada, and his years of hunting and trapping. Over time, he became one of my favourite fishing and hunting buddies. He knows all the best lakes and spots, and while his knees don’t allow him to go out alone much anymore, that’s worked out pretty well for me. 

When I first started hunting 10 years ago, I didn’t have a mentor. Everything I learned was self-taught. So, spending time with someone who has decades of experience as a trapper and hunter has been invaluable. He’s taught me how to read signs in the bush, identify tracks, and understand the land in a way I never could have on my own. 

There have been days when it’s too hot to fish, so we just sit and talk. He shares more about his life, his memories of trapping, and what it was like growing up during the war. As someone who loves history, being able to hear firsthand stories from someone who lived through such a significant time is truly incredible. It’s an honour. 

What started as a simple act of checking in on someone has grown into a meaningful, mutual friendship. I help him with things like his iPhone and computer, and he teaches me about hunting, fishing, trapping, and life. 

The moral of the story is this: sometimes, all it takes is a minute of your time to make a difference in someone’s life. And in the process, you might just change your own. 

If more of us took the time to check in on seniors, especially those who may not have strong social connections, we could make a huge difference. Even something as small as a quick phone call or a cup of coffee can mean more than you realize. 

Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. 

• Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. 

• Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273. 

Written by: Kristin Buxton