Homeless Man Reunites With His Family After Two Decades Because Of Kind Couple That Learned His Story

Aug 27, 2020 by apost team

With the help of Randi Emmans-Bailyn and John Suazo, 54-year-old Los Angeles resident Pedro Reid reunited with his family on August 7 after 20 years. Emmans-Bailyn and Suazo even had funds raised to help get him back on his feet. 

The kindness of strangers can do remarkable things. It can brighten someone's day or change the course of it. The following people show how kindness can change a life.

Pedro Reid was yet another homeless man trying to stay alive. He went from location to location, always on the move. The 54-year-old likely lived in the constant fear that comes with so much unrest.

One day, Pedro struck up yet another conversation with a neighbor. As reported by Metro, the woman's heart sank as she listened to all the awful things that had happened to him. Pedro bared her soul as he told her that people just saw a homeless man "who doesn't have anyone to call," when they looked at him.

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The 34-year-old was so moved that she immediately told her husband all about her meeting. As John Suazo, also aged 34, heard about Reid, he was also moved. Randi relayed what Pedro had told her.

John was just as moved as Randi. As they talked, he decided to act. He and Randi went to Pedro and listened as the homeless man's life story unfolded.

When Pedro moved to Los Angeles in 1999, he moved to live with his aunt, according to The Washington Post. Tragically, his life began to unravel when the LA-transplant got addicted to drugs and alcohol. A year after his arrival, Pedro was homeless and remained so for decades.

According to Randi, she and John began by giving Reid a backpack full of essentials such as food and water. They also put him in a hotel for a few nights and got him hot food to eat. These good samaritans had listened to Pedro's struggles and decided to meet his needs.

Humans need more than just food, water, and a place to live. The couple also got to work searching for Pedro's family. They would learn more about his life and try to get names through their conversations with their new friend. John and Randi combed through South Carolina records. They even found the phone number for his grandmother's old address. After many attempts, they got in touch with Pedro's uncle's ex-wife, according to The Post.

After some more time on the phone, they got in touch with Pedro's uncle, 59-year-old Pierre Grant. As they spoke, Grant knew they were talking about his nephew. Grant was so thrilled that he immediately planned to travel out to Los Angeles.

“John started telling me about what took place between them and Pedro, and I knew immediately he was talking about my nephew,” Grant told The Post. “For over 20 years, we had been praying and believing that one day we would find him, and the day finally came. This is a miracle.”

With Emmans and Suazo's help, Grant booked a plane ticket from South Carolina to LA so that he could visit and take Pedro home.

Their reunion so moved them that they decided to move Pedro back home. The Post reports that Pedro plans to further his education and look for work.

Such an inspiring story can move everyone to action. What do you think of this colossal act of kindness? Perhaps someone has done something life-changing for you. Tell us in the comments and pass this article on to keep the spirit of giving alive.