Specialist Christopher Garrett was a combat engineer with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division when he was deployed to Afghanistan, but a one-night mission changed everything.

Independent Journal Review spoke to his wife, Brittany, who explained what happened:

“He was shot through the lower abdomen, and the bullet exited his right butt cheek. He took the bullet while on a night mission in Afghanistan.”

After being treated for his injuries, he received a medical retirement and was classified as 100% disabled. Despite his disability and the pain it caused him, Brittany said that- once or twice a week – Christopher still went out and mowed their lawn, struggling with the push mower.

And then a complete stranger changed their lives. Brittany posted the following photos to her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/brittanyeasley3/posts/10205813814855741

Her caption reads:

“Where do I begin? Something AMAZING happened today! As I was getting ready for my day, my husband appeared at the door with tears in his eyes holding our son.

My heart sank and I thought someone we love took a trip to Heaven….He quickly assured me that no one had died, but someone had just given him a very expensive riding lawn mower!

I don’t know who they are, but they have been watching my 100% combat disabled husband push mow our entire yard once or twice a week, and thought this would help make more time for the important things in life!!!

THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!!! You don’t know how much pain this is going to save him from!!!”

A closer look at the stranger’s note:

Image Credit: Facebook

The note reads:

“I hope this saves time for the things that matter most in your life. Thank you for your service and for my freedom.

Sincerely, A grateful American”

Brittany commented that, since his retirement, “his job now is just amazing husband and father!!!” And this stranger’s thoughtful gift will go a long way in helping him to do that job.