A TikTok video has captured the hearts of thousands, showing a woman’s boyfriend and her younger brother with special needs engaged in an act of brotherhood.
The clip, shared by Alex Brown, shows her boyfriend, Brad, and her younger brother, Thomas, mowing the lawn together. Thomas, who just turned 30, is described by Brown as “the most joyful person most people have ever met”—and now Brad’s best friend. Brown, 33, spoke to Newsweek about the tender friendship that has formed between the two most important people in her life, and how she has felt watching it grow.
Brown explained Thomas’ additional needs to Newsweek.
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“He is developmentally delayed and is similar to a 12-year-old boy,” she said. “He is also visually impaired, and needs guidance to do everyday tasks.”
Brad is an only child who was bullied growing up and “has such a soft spot for the underdog,” Brown said. Together, the two men have found a unique friendship.
“Thomas and Brad have found brotherhood and friendship in each other, and it’s been incredible for me to witness,” Brown said.
A Friendship Built on Inclusion
The bond between the two began almost instantly. When they first met, Brown said, they connected over a “very similar goofy sense of humor.”
Their friendship truly flourished a year later when Thomas came to stay with the couple for Christmas. Brad gifted Thomas remote-controlled cars, and the two spent hours building ramps and playing in the backyard. Brad also took the time to guide Thomas in using the snowblower, which was a huge thrill for Thomas, who has always been fascinated by power tools.
For Brown, seeing their relationship blossom has been a dream come true.
“This is everything I have ever wanted,” she said. “I have always hoped to find a partner who was ready to jump in with two feet when it came to Thomas, to love and protect and care for him as I have. And Brad goes above and beyond for Thomas every day.”
This shared experience has also deepened Brown and Brad’s own relationship. Brown said that caring for Thomas when he visits has definitely brought the two closer and “cements our commitment to family.” With Brown on track to take guardianship of Thomas when their parents are gone, she said she knows that she and Brad will ensure Thomas has a beautiful life.
A Shining Light
Both men shared what their friendship means to them. Thomas’s response was simple and heartfelt: “Brad is nice to me, and I like spending time with him. He’s my best friend. I love him.”
Brad’s words were equally touching, revealing the impact Thomas has had on his life.
“I love Thomas because he has a genuine love for every part of daily life, and he gives us a constant reminder to always be thankful and present for the moment,” Brad said. He added that Thomas is like any other 30-year-old man, who loves “helping out with yard work…and watching sports. He’s witty, smart, and just wants to be included. Isn’t that what everyone wants? A sense of belonging.”
“I have always been incredibly protective of my little brother,” Brown concluded. “It makes my heart soar to see their relationship grow.”