To Will Claussen of Hackensack, Minnesota, Henry Joe is the best brother he could have asked for.
Henry Joe has Down syndrome – and a magical way of spreading joy wherever he goes. He’s been there to celebrate each of Will’s milestones, always wearing a contagious smile. That’s why the moment Will got engaged, he knew exactly who his best man would be.
In August, Will took his younger brother on a backyard treasure hunt, where he’d buried a glass bottle containing a special surprise. His fiancée, AJ Johns, recorded nearby while Henry Joe uncovered the jar and found a note tucked inside.
After pulling it out for Henry Joe, Will helped him read the important message aloud.
“Henry Joe, you are already the BEST bro and my very BEST frand, so will you please say yes and be my BEST man?”it said.
It took a moment for the question to sink in, but then shock and delight washed over Henry Joe’s face as he looked at his brother for confirmation.
“What?” he cried, incredulous. When Will repeated the question, Henry Joe jumped into his arms for a big hug. His answer was so obvious it didn’t even need to be spoken!
Not long after Will uploaded the video to Instagram, the brothers began touching the hearts of thousands!
Many people said they shed tears when they watched it and thanked the siblings for sharing such a beautiful moment. The way Will sees it, Henry Joe is the one who deserves all the credit for simply being who he is.
“In a world with much need for love and positivity, [Henry Joe] always comes through,” he wrote.
Congratulations, Will and Henry Joe! Your sweet bond has warmed our hearts as well. Watching you together, we can’t help but smile!
See the adorable surprise play out in the video below, and share this story to celebrate their love.
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