While it is common knowledge that our soldiers sacrifice a lot for us, we never really comprehend its extent – only the soldiers themselves will.
It is important to acknowledge that even before they officially became part of the army, their lives have already made a 360-degree turn – all in the service of their country and countrymen.
Brittany Garrett is wife to U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Garrett. Her husband returned home from Afghanistan after suffering from an injury that rendered him disabled.
According to Brittany, Christopher was “shot through the lower abdomen, and the bullet exited his right butt cheek”.
Christopher was a combat engineer with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. His unit was ambushed while he was in Afghanistan and he took a bullet in the stomach.
The bullet went through his pelvis and it became completely shattered. The doctors were able to save him, but the serious injury led him to retire from the military.
After the life-threatening injury, Christopher looked forward to living a normal life with his wife and young son. But soon after, the couple realized that “normal” had completely taken on a whole new definition.
The emotional and physical hurt that Christopher went through made it hard for him to adjust. Activities that he used to do with no difficulty – such as mowing the lawn – now became almost impossible to accomplish. Still, he did not let his injuries get the best of him.
Christopher only had an old push lawnmower, but that didn’t stop him from trying his best to cut the lawn on his own.
Of course, it was heartbreaking for Brittany to see her husband struggle like that. In a post that she shared on social media, the military wife said that she heard someone at their front door. When she checked, she saw her husband standing there, holding their son with tears in his eyes.
Her first thought was that someone they loved had already passed away, but Christopher immediately assured her that it wasn’t the case.
Brittany went to the front yard and instantly knew why her husband was sobbing – a brand new John Deere riding lawn mower was parked in there.
Along with the gift was a note that 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.”
“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,” Brittany said in her post about the surprise gift that they received.
One of their neighbors must have noticed that Christopher was struggling to maneuver his manual lawnmower, so he gave him a new one that will be easier to operate. To others, it may seem like a simple gift, but for the couple who has been through so much, it is life-changing.
Christopher didn’t have any clue who the kind neighbor was, but one thing was for sure – his efforts as a family man don’t go unnoticed, and the service he has rendered for our country was not to be forgotten.