How a single photo of a Sydney park bench brought an entire community together after woman shares the emotional story behind her tears

A stranger’s act of kindness brought a community together.

A young woman shared a photo of a bench overlooking the ocean in Cronulla, part of the Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney, on Thursday.

She captioned the photo: ‘Thank you to the kind man who stopped his bike ride and kindly approached me to ask if I was okay and that I would like to talk to a support person today.

‘Kindness goes a long way. Thank you.’

The woman went on to explain in the comments that she had visited the park to mourn her late brother and was crying by the time the man came to check on her.

“I had a conversation with my brother in heaven above and the tears flowed,” she said.

“But I’m okay, it cheered me up that a stranger stopped by and took a moment to check on another stranger.”

The heartwarming message generated hundreds of comments and dozens of supportive comments.

A woman was upset thinking about her dead brother on a park bench (above) in Cronulla when she was approached by a friendly stranger asking if she would like to talk

‘What a beautiful person who came by to check on you. It doesn’t take much to light up someone else’s darkness,” one person wrote.

“What a beautiful message to share and so encouraging to know that there are kind people all around us,” wrote another.

‘It’s not hard to be nice. I’m glad you experienced that kindness today,” said a third.

“It’s amazing what one act of kindness can do. If we all just did it once a day. It doesn’t have to be big, but a small gesture can go a long way. Thank you for sharing this because for someone else who might be having a bad day, this post might brighten theirs too,” another added.

Psychic Merrilee Hayes also expressed some words of support for the young woman.

“I’m not sure if this will help you, but I will tell you that I had a near-death experience and your brother is back home, where we all come from.

“You will see your brother back home when it is your time, just know that he is in bliss, happiness and love and do your thing here until you go back.

“The man who approached you today – I don’t believe in coincidence, maybe your brother made him come to you because he knew you were sad.”

Other commenters offered to catch up with the woman as she navigated her grief.

“If you’re local and ever want to chat, I’m always here in Cronulla where you can walk and chat or have a cup of tea,” one person wrote.

‘I’m also local if you fancy a cup of tea and a walk and a chat. My puppy can come and cuddle too,” said another.

‘Nice post. I’m from the neighborhood and I’m always up for a walk and a chat. Please know that you are not alone and that we are all here for you,” wrote another.