We all have things that we can’t live without. It was Gordon Blakeslee’s 2009 Craftsman riding mower for the 85-year-old.
Make sure to read all the way to the end to see the entire video!
Gordon likes caring to his yard in Harpursville, New York, despite the fact that it may be a hassle for some. However, when the pandemic struck, he had no choice but to disregard his responsibilities and temporarily be with his family during the lockdown.
Gordon spent a few months confined at his son’s house, and when he returned to New York over the summer, he was dismayed to discover that his lawnmower had been stolen.
Gordon had no notion what to do at first. He knew it was only a matter of time until the yard needed to be mowed again, but at his age, he couldn’t use a push mower. He also didn’t want to rely on others to do the task.
“A lot of people, my son is one of them, they cut it too short,” he told WBNG.
Desperate to get it back, Gordon took a piece of cardboard and wrote, “Bring back my mower. I am 85 years old! I can’t push.”
“I want it back,” he said. “I used to work out here, when my wife was alive, I used to work out there all day long.”
He then placed the placard on his front yard in the hopes that the thief would notice it and return his prized lawnmower.
“That was something that was precious to him, everything that he has, has value to him,” Candace Blakeslee, his daughter-in-law, said. “If it’s not broken, it doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced.”
Candace had no idea how much Gordon missed his mower until they came to see him and saw the placard.
Candace asked Gordon whether she could publish his story on social media in order to raise awareness about what had transpired. Candace put out a Facebook request for her friends to contact her if they had any information about the stolen lawnmower, and the latter agreed.
Candace made it clear in her article that Gordon didn’t want any donations; all he wanted was his old lawnmower back.
The story was picked up by local news, and many viewers were moved by the broadcast. However, one individual made the decision to assist the man.
Gordon was surprised to see a fresh new mower in his yard the next day!
Because the donor wished to remain anonymous, the present was brought to Gordon’s residence by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
“I couldn’t be any more thankful. With everything going on, I know he’s happier than happy to have a mower back,” said Gordon’s grandson, Garrett.
Because it has some new enhancements, this mower has shown to be far superior than his previous one.
Gordon is both surprised and appreciative by the kind stranger’s unexpected act of kindness.
“Thank you, what else can I say. I really appreciate it,” he said. “It’s got some new upgrades to it; that’s a lot better than my old one.”
Gordon can now again enjoy caring to his grass. The exercise not only keeps his land clean, but it also provides him a sense of independence, which he had lost when the epidemic broke out.
Riding his lawnmower also helps him to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air outside, which is good for his health.
“Sit [inside], and you don’t last long,” he said.
Gordon doesn’t want to take any chances, so he keeps his new lawn mower locked up on his property. In addition, he had security cameras put all around his house.
It’s unfathomable that someone would take from the elderly, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Gordon’s heart was broken by the tragedy, but his trust in mankind was restored after witnessing generosity from a stranger.
“There are still some good people out there,” he said.
Here’s the news story that started it all.
