Mom lost her son but his 'bestie' keeps showing up for her. The internet says he's now earned a spare key

Losing a child is an incredibly heartbreaking sorrow, a grief that shatters the very core of a parent. However, family, friends, and at times strangers come forward as a ray of hope, helping you to navigate through the darkness. For example, their friends, who are indirectly associated with you, may comfort your aching heart. Similarly, Erika Hernandez (@by.erikahernandez on TikTok) shared how, after her son's tragic demise, his best friend and girlfriend began visiting for dinner every Wednesday. Their presence brings unexpected comfort, filling her heart with familiar love and laughter, keeping her son's spirit alive in the most heartfelt way.

In the heartwarming video, Hernandez revealed that her son's friend and his girlfriend bring dinner once a week, and together they watch "The Equalizer"—perhaps a show her late son once loved. Simultaneously, Hernandez shared glimpses of her son's best friend chilling at her place, as if he were a member of the family, blending into the household that still holds echoes of his friend's presence. Meanwhile, the overlay text on the screen read, "My son's bestie shows up every Wednesday with dinner and his girlfriend to watch 'The Equalizer.'"

On a lighter note, the grieving mother shared, "He’s been begging for a set of house keys," in the video caption. The bittersweet moment went viral on social media with over 19 million views online. Several netizens even appreciated the young man for his meaningful gesture of providing comfort to his late best friend's mother. 

For instance, @jencarlyle1 commented, "Aww! He knows you still need that piece of your baby, and he still needs that piece of his bestie. You all are so blessed to have each other!" Likewise, @_emfritz_ shared, "They say grief is just love with nowhere to go. I’m so happy that you all have a way to express that. Keep spreading the love because I know Jovan is smiling ear to ear every Wednesday."

@cj_worthington wrote, "My daughter (10) passed at the end of January this year. She and her bestie had plans to hang out last Saturday. She and her mom still came by. It honestly felt so good to have them here." @ldyshay24_7, who was seemingly emotional watching the video, revealed, "I cried reading this! This is so genuine, and I'm so sorry for the pain bestowed upon you. I think with so much going on in the world today, seeing things like this gives me tears of joy and happiness!" @mzquannaqb said, "The fact that he may not be able to watch Equalizer is crazy. Give him a key and make sure he has snacks, lol!"

On the other hand, @nessatee918 commented, "Our life path is laid out before we are born. He became your son’s friend before your son passed, knowing you would need this love after the passing." @benta.mar shared, "That’s more than a bestie; that is a real deal! What a great human being he has become! That’s a second son life gave you! I’m sorry for your loss!" @patnlovely wrote, "That young man loves you and his lost brother. You have a bonus son (and daughter) loving and checking in on you. I am so sorry for your loss! Now give your bonus baby those keys." @sadaly03 said, "First of all, I am so very sorry for your (all of yours) loss. But your son is there watching Equalizer with you guys. I love that his best friend still shows up!"

You can follow Erika Hernandez (@by.erikahernandez) on TikTok for more relationship-related content.