Emily
The way we see it you have two options: you can either spend your day bogged down by negativity, obsessing over the latest political/celebrity scandal OR you can choose to turn your sights onto good news and focus on some truly wholesome acts of kindness.
Just take this high school teen, for instance, who saved up for two years to surprise his friend with a life-changing gift. If this dose of positivity doesn’t turn your day around, we don’t know what will.
These are high school friends Brandon Qualls and Tanner Wilson from Norman, Arkansas.
Brandon, who needs a wheelchair to get around, has been using a manual hand-push model for years, but his chairwas becoming more difficult to maneuver on campus.
“My arms would get really tired,” Brandon told News9 TV.
Tanner noticed his friend struggling and decided to save up to buy Brandon a motorized wheelchair.
Tanner’s mom Colleen Carmack told CNN that her son saved his earnings working part-time at a local car mechanic shop for two years and was finally able to buy the electric wheelchair for Brandon last month.
Tanner surprised Brandon with his new wheelchair in front of their other Caddo Hills High classmates and he was overwhelmed by the selfless gesture.
“They came in and my face just blew up,” Brandon told News9. “I was just crying everywhere. I was like, ‘Wow I can’t believe he did that for me.’
“It’s been my dream to just have one of these,” Brandon said. “And my dream came true.”
Brandon and Tanner have been friends for years and have been through a lot together.
“He’s just been a really good friend and I wanted to do him a favor,” Tanner explained. “I just felt like I needed to do it. … Brandon, he’s just always been there for me.”
Tanner’s mom Colleen said, he’s “had some bad experiences over the last year, so him being able to help somebody else has really brought him out — being able to know that he made a difference. And I can see a difference in him — like wanting to get out and do more.”
But Tanner wasn’t the only one ‘in’ on the surprise. Brandon’s teacher Ginger Wray helped trick out the chair with orange flames.
And Brandon is already enjoying the benefits of his special gift.
“It’s awesome,” Brandon told News9, adding that he’s still getting used to driving his new wheels. “I may hit a few doors, but it’s worth it.”
Cado Hills honored Tanner’s generosity by sharing the story to their official Facebook page.
The caption reads:
We would like to share some love. Today Tanner Wilson, Caddo Hill’s Senior, surprised his fellow classmate Brandon Qualls with a motorized wheelchair. We are so grateful for the heartfelt surprise from one Indian to another. Tanner has been saving for two years to show his appreciation and friendship for Brandon
People were touched by the teen’s act of kindness.
Kudos, Tanner!
