For over a decade, 85-year-old Gordon Blaskeslee treasured his reliable Craftsman riding lawn mower. At his age, a riding mower was not just a convenience, it was a necessity for him to maintain some of his independence. So, when he returned from a trip to find his prized mower had vanished, he was understandably upset.
Blakeslee had been receiving in-home care from his son and daughter-in-law, who brought him back to his home in Harpursville, New York, to retrieve the mower. For Blakeslee, the red mower was more than just a means of keeping up with his lawn. The elderly gentleman enjoyed using the mower when his wife was still alive, and mowing the yard had become a cherished reminder of his time with her. Sadly, that connection was cut short.
“That was something that was precious to him,” daughter-in-law Candace Blakeslee shared. “Everything that he has has value to him and, if it’s not broke, it doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced.”
Hoping to get his mower back, Blakeslee devised a plan. He would give the thief a chance to make things right. Breaking down a cardboard box, he found a permanent marker and wrote a heartfelt message to whoever had taken his mower. The sign read, “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 here all day long.”
Blakeslee thought appealing to the thief’s conscience might prompt an act of repentance. However, as days passed without any word of his precious mower, his hope began to fade. A week later, he received an unexpected knock at the door — but it wasn’t the thief.
Much to Blakeslee’s amazement, the Broome County Sheriff’s Department had come to report a response concerning his sign. Someone had seen his earnest plea and, touched by his message, decided to anonymously donate a brand new Craftsman riding lawn mower – identical to the one he had lost.
Blakeslee was astounded by the stranger’s generosity. Wanting to clarify any potential misunderstandings, he explained, “I know it ain’t the person that stole my other one, or they would have brought that back and kept this.”
Although Blakeslee had hoped his old mower would be returned for the memories it held, he expressed his gratitude for the gift which provided him with the independence he cherished. “I think it’s gonna work out good,” said Blakeslee. “As long as I keep active, I’m mowing right along.”
Blakeslee plans to continue mowing his own property, regardless of not living there anymore. Naturally, his son and daughter-in-law are happy to drive him and his new ride back to Harpursville whenever the grass gets a little too high.
When asked why he doesn’t just allow someone else to mow his lawn, Blakeslee chuckled, “I don’t like the way other people do it.” He takes immense pride in his work, and as long as he is able, he wants to continue caring for his property.
Whoever donated the mower not only restored Blakeslee’s dignity and independence but also reminded him of the kindness that still exists in the world. Although it isn’t the mower with which he created so many fond memories, it’s as close to the original as he can get, and that’s good enough for him.
Conclusion
The story of Gordon Blaskeslee is a touching reminder of the enduring human spirit and the unexpected ways kindness can manifest. While the mystery donor remains anonymous, their generous act ensured that an elderly man could continue his cherished routine. In a world often filled with challenges and disappointments, acts of kindness like these highlight the compassion that still thrives within our communities.
