Acts of Kindness
Teen’s distraught after mom ‘sold’ late dad’s SUV, then sees it again on 16th birthday
Cedric Jackson
09.16.19

When you have a close family member who passed away, you hold onto whatever physical signs of them you can. That’s what happened to Triston Walsh, a teen from Illinois.

Triston’s dad, Sgt. Nick Walsh, died by sniper fire in Iraq in 2007. He left behind his wife, Julie Walsh, 4-year-old Triston, and his baby brother, Tanner. But he also left behind something else: his beloved 1991 Ford Bronco.

Walsh dreamed of passing the vehicle down to his oldest son.

But that dream became uncertain when he died at the age of 26.

Julie Walsh tried her best to keep the vehicle in good condition. But after 12 years, the Ford SUV had become dilapidated. She wasn’t sure what to do and reached out to friends on Facebook. They told her to get in contact with local dealerships.

Find a Grave
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Find a Grave

To Julie Walsh’s joy, the local team at Mertz Motors car dealership offered to help.

They estimated the repairs on the Ford could be up to $10,000. But with donations, they were able to cover the cost.

There was one slight glitch — she couldn’t tell Triston the vehicle was being repaired. So, while it was in the shop, she told him she had to sell it to get money for a new car for him to drive. Triston was furious and stormed out of the room, refusing to speak to her.

Apost
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Apost

“I’ve known this truck for so long, said Triston.

“I was so mad at her. I didn’t talk to her for about two weeks.”

Two months later, when Triston’s mom took him to the dealership on his birthday, he still had no idea what was going on. He thought they were there to get his new car. To his shock, he saw his dad’s Ford Bronco — now his Ford Bronco. It was repaired and refurbished, ready for him to drive.

Apost
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Apost

He also saw a crowd of friends and family, many of them his father’s old friends and comrades, who’d traveled from around the country to be there.

“It’s just to show the boys, no matter where they go, no matter what they do, somebody’s going to look out for them,” said Ben Pollmeier, one of Walsh’s Marine friends.

“For him to be able to have his dad’s vehicle was just a full circle,” said Terry Wiese, another Marine friend. “Nick would have done the same for all of us.”

Apost
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Apost

Julie Walsh said it was overwhelming to be able to pass the SUV down, just as her husband had always wanted to do.

“I just feel (Nick) around us so much,” said Julie Walsh. “I know he’s sending all of us signs he is still here and looking out for us. It’s a really comforting feeling to have. It really is. It just really warms my heart that you can give a little piece of him back.”

Jerry Naunheim Jr.
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Jerry Naunheim Jr.

As for Triston, he drove the Ford away with tears in his eyes, feeling like his dad was with him once again.

“Every time I’m going to drive this…I feel like he’s with me…sitting right over there,” said Triston.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Source:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts

It doesn’t replace his father. But it’s a comfort in the wake of his loss.

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