A boy mows lawns to earn money and help the school janitor pay off his mortgage and retire

A rowdy teenager caused trouble for the school janitor and felt guilty. He learned about the man’s life and decided to do something remarkable for him, and only then did he realize something essential.

“Jeez!” Holden spat when he saw the mess he made on the floor. He and his friend were only going to play a prank on another student and paint his locker. However, he dropped the paint can in the middle of the basketball court, which would certainly be noticeable.

“Come on, Holden! Let’s go! Let’s go!” his friend, Andrew, yelled, and they both dropped everything and ran away.

They weren’t bad kids, but they were undoubtedly rowdy and rebellious, skipping classes all the time and trying to prank others. However, they weren’t bullies and didn’t have any malicious intent. Holden just hated school and wanted anarchy like many teenagers did at that age.

“Wow. That’s terrible,” the teenager commented before widening his eyes. “Sorry. That was rude.”

Fortunately, no one discovered what they had done, but Holden passed by the basketball court later and saw the old school janitor cleaning things up and heard the screams of the principal, Mr. Figgins.

“We have the prep rally tomorrow, and scouts from all over the country are coming! This needs to come out immediately!” the principal yelled at the poor old man, who hung his head and tried to clean the mess. However, the paint was oil-based, and it was an arduous task.

“Yes, Mr. Figgins. I’ll make sure it’s ready for tomorrow,” the janitor said and kept scrubbing. The principal threw his arms around some more, yelled some demands, and walked off in a huff.

Holden felt terrible, watching the old man on his knees trying to fix his mistake, so he did something completely uncharacteristic. He walked into the court, grabbed a rag, kneeled, and started cleaning with the janitor.

The old man looked at him for a second. “I guess you did this, right?” he commented and kept scrubbing.

“Sir, please. I’m so sorry. It was a mistake. I didn’t know you would get in trouble for it,” Holden apologized sincerely and continued moving the rag up and down. “Please don’t tell the principal. My mom would kill me.”

The old man sighed and shrugged. “I won’t tell anyone, but you have to help me until this floor is back to normal,” he negotiated, and Holden nodded rapidly.

While they worked, they talked. The janitor’s name was Fred. At first, their conversation was about basketball and football, as the school has some of the best teams in the state. But then, Holden asked the old man why he was working at his age. Based on the wrinkles on his face and his frail arms, he had to be way over 60.

“Well, I need to pay a mortgage, kid,” Fred responded with pursed lips. “And I’m 76.”

“You haven’t paid your mortgage still. Wow. That means I can never dream of having a house of my own,” Holden commented.

“Well, things are hard now, kid. But actually, I never wanted to own a house. I rented most of my life. I bought that house for my daughter. She needed her own place, and I wanted to give her something,” Fred revealed, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “I put a down payment for her and helped her with the mortgage for years. But then, she died in a car accident, and it was all on me.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Holden muttered, and they stayed quiet for a while. “Why don’t you sell the house now?”

“Where would I live, kid? With rent these days, I would be homeless. And I have to keep working to eat,” the janitor continued. He wasn’t bitter or sad. He was just realistic.

“But you might not ever retire!” the teenager added.

“That’s true. I just hope I can pay the mortgage before I die,” he continued.

“How much is it?” Holden asked boldly.

“Well, I believe it’s a little under $30,000.”

“Wow. That’s terrible,” the teenager commented before widening his eyes. “Sorry. That was rude.”

But Fred laughed. “Let’s just work, kid.”

They finally removed all traces of the paint, but they both went home late that night… and Holden couldn’t sleep. He wanted to do something nice for the old man who hadn’t gotten him in trouble.

A few days later, he confessed what he had done to his mother and told her everything; then, he asked her how they could raise money for the old janitor. Maybe, if they paid his mortgage, Fred could retire.

His mother said that he could mow lawns around the neighborhood. It was mowing season, and tons of people were looking for help. So, Holden did so and surprisingly got a ton of clients. He grabbed his dad’s lawnmower and worked hard.

But after a few days, he realized the task was almost impossible. He would have to work for years, just like Fred, to raise the money, so he talked to his neighbors whose kids also went to the school. He took a picture of Fred from the school’s website and posted it online, telling his story, and finally decided to open a crowdfunding link for the janitor.

To his shock, the money started coming in, and $30,000 were raised in just a week.

After that, Holden and his mother talked to the school principal about having a special ceremony to honor Fred and surprise him. The teenager also had to come clean to the principal about the paint on the basketball court. Finally, Mr. Figgins agreed.

The whole school heard the story, and they all gathered at the basketball court and cheered when Fred came in. The old janitor had no idea what was going on as he didn’t have social media. But Holden presented him with the money, and many in the crowd cried as the two of them hugged. Fred officially retired that week.

Holden later learned that Fred had a granddaughter, Erin, who was only a few years younger than him, and the janitor wanted to pay off the house so she could have it when he was gone. She and Holden became great friends as he started visiting the old man after school and helping out.

He stopped hanging out with Andrew and started taking his classes seriously. The entire experience taught him that you had to work hard for everything.

His rebellious ways wholly disappeared, and he actually graduated at the top of his class a few years later. The entire school staff was shocked and pleased by his 180º turn, as it was something teachers rarely ever saw. And it was all due to Fred and that afternoon spent cleaning some paint off the floor.

What can we learn from this story?

You must apologize and do your best to atone for your errors. Holden got the old janitor in trouble, but he readily apologized and tried to make things better.

It only takes one experience or person to change someone’s perspective on life. After meeting Fred, Holden changed for good, as he learned that life was hard and only those who worked hard and honestly could live happily.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

Liam Payne’s Final Words to His Partner Will Leave You Heartbroken

Kate Cassidy shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, including a note from Liam Payne, which revealed his plans for their future and showed the beautiful memories they shared.

Just three days after being seen in public for the first time since her boyfriend Liam’s unexpected passing, Kate posted the tribute on October 23, 2024. The lovely photos she shared touched fans deeply, but it was Liam’s note, given to her weeks before his death, that truly left fans heartbroken.

Kate’s post offered a look into the happy life she shared with the late “Teardrops” singer. Her images showed the couple going on adventures together.

Whether they were spending time outdoors or cozying up in snowy surroundings, her photos radiated pure love and joy.

Kate Cassidy shared an emotional Instagram post following Liam Payne’s death. In her message, she expressed her heartbreak and said she wished Liam could have seen the impact he had on the world and known how deeply he was loved.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

She wrote, “You are — because I can’t say were — my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room.” Cassidy also shared how she is struggling to continue without him, describing Liam as “the best part” of her.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Cassidy also shared how hard it is to move forward without Liam, saying she lost “the best part” of herself. She mentioned a note he had given her, adding, “I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.”

Source: Instagram/kateecass

One touching image showed a playful side of Liam, wearing pink Mickey Mouse ears and making a silly face at the camera, while Kate smiled next to him.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Another image showed them dressed up, posing at an event surrounded by beautiful scenery. Another picture captured them with their dog, sharing a sweet moment with the happy pup.

In another image, Liam, bundled up in warm clothing, playfully posed near a signpost with multiple destination markers.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

One photo showed Kate caressing Liam’s face while he smiled, capturing a loving moment. Another image showed them sharing a kiss in front of a building, expressing their closeness.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

In the last photos, Cassidy posted a note she received from Liam that read, “me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & 2gether 4ever 444,” written in pencil. With the note were two cards, one reading “444” and the other showing a rose drawing.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Cassidy explained that the number “444” holds spiritual meaning, often appearing when someone feels alone, signifying angelic presence and reassurance.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

After Kate’s post, fans flooded her comments with messages of sorrow. One wrote, “This has broken me more than I thought possible ,” while another added, “So sorry for your loss  my heart is shattered .”

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Another commented with teary emojis, while someone else expressed support, saying, “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through; you are so strong, love. Big hug 

In a past interview from 2019, Liam shared his thoughts on love, describing how he valued being with someone who was both his best friend and partner. He expressed joy in finding someone who supported him fully.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Through Cassidy’s recent words, it’s clear her relationship with Liam was also special, filled with deep love and joy.

Recently, Kate was seen for the first time since Liam’s death. She was out in Florida with friends, buying pet supplies on October 20. Fans noticed her somber expression and showed their concern.

Source: Instagram/kateecass

One fan commented, “My heart is breaking for her…she looks so exhausted.” Another added, “She is devastated and heartbroken.”

Others found comfort in seeing her with their shared dog, Nala. “God bless her. I’m glad to see Nala with her. I hope Kate will be okay,” wrote one fan, while others commented on how sad and “empty” she appeared.

Fans also urged the paparazzi to give Cassidy privacy to grieve. One user sympathized, writing, “So sad to lose someone you love.” Another added personal reflections on loss, saying, “Prayers to her and the family.”

Source: Instagram/kateecass

Others expressed sadness, with comments like, “I can’t imagine how broken she is. So much happened in such a short time,” noting how “gutted” she looked.

One person reflected, “She looks sad; the guilt she must be feeling right now, wouldn’t have left him alone, especially under such difficult circumstances.” Another added, “She looks miserable. Prayers for her.”

Cassidy’s sighting came shortly after Liam’s death on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer fell from his third-story hotel room balcony. Although his passing initially seemed mysterious, it was later revealed he had been under the influence of strong drugs.

On social media, Cassidy reportedly paid tribute to him, asking for privacy to grieve, expressing how nothing felt real, and thanking fans for their love and support.

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