A grateful high school graduate headed straight from his ceremony to surprise his hard-working immigrant grandpa working in the kitchen of their local McDonald’s.
Throughout 18-year-old Mathias Bustamante’s life, his grandpa, Ronel, 67, has acted like his North Star.
The pair’s relationship is like “no other,” Mathias said, with his Peruvian grandpa always being there for him when he had problems in life, guiding him when he needed advice.
And so, when Mathias graduated from Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah, there was only one place he was headed.
Mathias’s mom, Fiorella, drove him to the McDonald’s where Ronel works and the family headed inside.
Mathias – dressed in his gown, cap, and with his diploma – then headed around the back of the counter, where he gave his tearful grandpa a loving hug.
He said: “This moment will always remain in my heart since I love him so much.
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“Honestly, it was pure joy, putting a smile on my grandpa’s face—and those tears made me really happy; I was glad I could make him and my family proud.
“People who saw the video liked how wholesome it was, and my grandpa’s reaction was overwhelming.
“My relationship with my grandpa is like no other; it’s very special, and it means a lot to me.
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“My grandpa always tried to help me when I had problems. He would find a way to help me and always guide me about things.
“A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.
“He will always be there for me and I will always be there for him.”
