Adopted Boy Saves Up To Buy Gravestone For Father He Never Knew, But Biological Family’s Response Left Him Stunned.

Brandon Bakke is an 11-year-old boy from Fargo, North Dakota. He lives with his adopted mother— Brandy Bakke– and father. But recently, Brandon started to grow curious about his biological family. So Brandy did some digging, and found that he was named Terrence. Unfortunately, Terrence had passed away a year before Brandy found him.

Brandy and Brandon made plans to fly to Chicago to pay their respects at Terrence’s grave, but they learned there was nothing marking its location. Terrence’s family couldn’t afford a tombstone.

“When I found out my dad’s grave didn’t have a stone,” said Brandon, “I got really sad. I thought if I did something for him, he’d be proud.” That’s when Brandon came up with an idea: he’d raise the money for a grave marker himself! So he spent the rest of his summer mowing lawns and doing odd jobs.

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“My husband and I were very proud of him,” said Brandy of Brandon’s hard work, “[We] were going to support him in any way we could to make it happen.”

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By the end of the summer, Brandon had raised $400. But when Brandon contacted a gravestone company to make his purchase, he was stunned to find they wouldn’t accept his money!

They were so moved by his story, they gave Brandon a gravestone free of charge. They even let Brandon design it!

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When Brandon and his family went to Chicago to lay down the new tombstone, he had the surprise of his life. He was met by over a dozen members of his biological family, who had traveled from around the country for the occasion.

“It was a very emotional day for Brandon,” Brandy said. “As much as he loved meeting his biological family, who are all kind, wonderful and supportive, it saddened him to know he’ll never meet his dad.”

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But Brandon’s work didn’t stop there! When he got home to North Dakota, Brandon started a lawn mowing and snow removal business called “Mowing and Blowing for a Purpose.” The business sets up funds to help families honor their deceased loves ones.

“I always wanted to meet my dad and wish I could’ve before he died,” Brandon said. “I know he would’ve loved to meet me and would be proud to call me his son.”

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