A photographer who explores abandoned buildings and posts the photos on Instagram made an unusual discovery: the “abandoned” building that she entered was occupied.
Leslie Muir, “The Tourist,” started posting a series of photos that is sure to leave a life-long impression on her.
She went into a home in Ontario and found that someone was still inside.
The man, she said, is named Lawrence and lived in a derelict house.
“The driveway is overgrown, the roof is caving in and the interior would lead anyone to believe this land had been deserted,” Muir wrote, adding that Lawrence has difficulty walking and spends most of his time in the home by himself.
Elaborating further, she said he has a litany of health problems, including missing a right eye.
“He is a beautiful soul and I plan on visiting him a lot. Iām posting this picture in hopes that it will inspire at least one person to reach out to someone they may have lost contact with or perhaps just forgot about. These old souls are still full of life and I feel blessed to have met this one,” Muir said.
After some time, she kept in contact with Lawrence, helping him move some old items that were taking up space in his home.
“He said the day I showed up was the best day of his life. As self-righteous as I feel writing that, I understand how he feels. The best day of my life was when I met him. He gave me the chance to really do something for someone ā an act of kindness with no expectation of reward. Itās a rare opportunity and Iām glad I was able to accept the challenge,” Muir concluded.
Here is what Muir wrote, per Littlethings:
āThis is Lawrence. He lives in a house I had believed to be abandoned. The driveway is overgrown, the roof is caving in and the interior would lead anyone to believe this land had been deserted. I found him in the living room. He has a hard time getting around so he spends most of his time in there. Alone.
He is missing his right eye and has cataracts infecting the left. Even after noticing a stranger essentially helping themselves to his life he was nothing but sweet and kind to me. He was even nice enough to let me take his picture which I will always treasure.
He is a beautiful soul and I plan on visiting him a lot. Iām posting this picture in hopes that it will inspire at least one person to reach out to someone they may have lost contact with or perhaps just forgot about. These old souls are still full of life and I feel blessed to have met this one.ā
The house that stole my heart ā this is the exterior of my new friends home. Tonight we sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful evening. He explained to me how his injuries started in 2000 when a bull fractured his hip. He told me of his brothers illness and how they have lost touch.
He said I was a blessing to him. I told him I couldnāt put into words what he means to me.ā
Tonight was the first of what will be many dinner dates with my new friend. Over the course of 3 hours we ate and drank and laughed. I was fortunate enough to hear about his life.. His struggles and his triumphs.
This truly was one of the best experiences of my life & I canāt wait to share another meal with such a gentle soul.ā
In an update, she added that she helped move some of his stuff:
āAn update on my friend ā he is in good spirits and is very happy to have some room in his home. Iāve managed to remove his old fridge, stove, and chest freezer, along with numerous bags of garbage and other content. This was all made possible by a very generous company and a few awesome boys with big hearts and strong lower backs. I canāt thank everyone enough for their support and generosity during this period in my life ā and in his. He is beyond grateful, not just to me. He knows you are all following his story.
View this post on InstagramThursday night bingo bros āØ . #TheTourist #BestBuds #BingoNight #GreatBigStory
After a few recent visits to the doctors, itās apparent that his health is declining, rapidly. These may be the last few months I have with my friend and I plan to make them as comfortable and enjoyable for him as possible. Heās informed me of his funeral arrangements and has asked me to be there. I told him I wouldnāt have it any other way.
He shared something with me that will stay with me forever. He said the day I showed up was the best day of his life. As self righteous as I feel writing that, I understand how he feels. The best day of my life was when I met him. He gave me the chance to really do something for someone ā an act of kindness with no expectation of reward. Itās a rare opportunity and Iām glad I was able to accept the challenge.ā
