A disabled veteran who struggled to simply mow his lawn got a wonderful gift from an anonymous Good Samaritan who appreciated his service to America. When he was given an expensive riding mower, he broke down in tears of gratitude.
12. A Challenge
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Military veterans face many challenges when they return home from war. In addition to the mental and emotional strain of serving in combat and witnessing death and destruction, many vets also have permanent disabilities. For many people, there is still a stigma against asking for help. One vet found out firsthand that sometimes people will step up and help without even being asked.
11. Christopher Garrett
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Specialist Christopher Garrett is a veteran of the Army. He served as a combat engineer with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. While serving in Afghanistan, Christopher was shot. While healing from his wounds, Christopher placed on medical retirement and sent home to Joseph, Oregon.
10. Home Again
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Christopher was grateful that his life was spared, but he came home with a total disability classification. This meant that there would be some tasks of everyday living that Christopher would never be able to perform. This is a difficult pill to swallow.
9. Disabilities
Image: The Art of Manliness
Disabilities can impede people from doing very simple things, turning even the most basic task into an example of serious frustration. Christopher found that one such task that caused him trouble was mowing the lawn. He used to be able to push the mower with no problem, but now it caused him terrible pain.
8. An Emotional Surprise
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Christopher’s wife Brittany thought something was terribly wrong the day she returned home and found her husband with tears in his eyes. He was reading a letter from someone who wanted to be anonymous.
7. The Letter
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
The letter stated that its author had purchased a special gift for Christopher in honor of his service for his country. Brittany later shared the event on Facebook. “Where do I begin? Something AMAZING happened today! As I was getting ready for my day, my husband appeared at the door with tears in his eyes holding our son. My heart sank and I thought someone we love took a trip to Heaven.”
6. A Riding Lawn Mower
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Christopher immediately let Brittany know that he wasn’t sad, he was happy. Someone had given him a riding lawn mower. :”He quickly assured me that no one had died, but someone had just given him a very expensive riding lawn mower!” They never expected such an act.
5. They Were Watching
It was obvious that someone had noticed Christopher struggling with the push mower. The letter said, “I hope this saves time for the things that matter most in your life. Thank you for your service and for my freedom. Sincerely, A grateful American.”
4. A Big Thank You
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
“I don’t know who they are, but they have been watching my 100% combat disabled husband push mow our entire yard once or twice a week, and thought this would help make more time for the important things in life!!”
3. An Amazing Gift
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
The gesture was very important to the couple. Few recognize the sacrifices that military families make, and to have someone reach out to help meant everything. As Brittany wrote, “THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!!! You don’t know how much pain this is going to save him from!!!”
2. Viral Post
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
Brittany’s Facebook post touched a nerve. It was shared over 250,000 times. It probably inspired other people to do something nice for other veterans in need. Christopher was thrilled to try out his new ride, and Brittany was eager to share how much he enjoyed it.
1. Time for Family
Image: Facebook / Brittany Garrett
The John Deere riding mower has made mowing the lawn a breeze. Not only does it save Christopher hours of time, it cuts down on his pain. And he also has more time to work around the house and simply spend time with his family.
Additional resources:
–For veterans that dream of homeownership, visit Hero Loan