Sangha of Auspicious Companions

When a Stranger Becomes a Lifelong Friend

While skateboarding near the University of Texas, college freshmen Joey Romano found himself injured, alone, and lying on a street. He made an unexpected but life-changing choice: he called an Uber. “I didn’t have very good insurance, and I was worried about the cost,” Romano, now 29, explained. When Beni Lukumu, the Uber driver, learned that Romano had no family nearby, he did more than just offer a ride; he stayed with Joey through his entire recovery at the hospital, becoming the unsung hero Joey never knew he needed. “That one act of kindness helped me see the good in the world again,” Joey shares, reflecting on how Beni’s warmth and generosity pulled him from a dark period in life following the loss of his brother. Seven years after Romano’s injury, the two men’s bond continues to shine today, elucidating how a single moment of understanding can forge lifelong friendships. In a divided world, Beni offers a shiningly simple reminder: “What we need is love and kindness.”

Be The Change

Offer support to a stranger in need, even if it means giving them your time and presence.