Growing up, did you ever wish for that perfect elder brother? One that has you covered no matter what? Then you should meet Todd Burkemper, the perfect big brother -the exact kind we dreamt of as kids. Todd’s story exemplifies the reward of consistent discipline (and diligence) with a touch of genuine love, laughter, tears, and goosebumps.
The genesis of Todd – an impressive work ethic.
As a young man, Todd had always handled his business with diligence. From the early days of college, he took on summer jobs to cater to his (and Alex’s) needs. He graduated in 2011, landed an entry-level job in a tech company, and worked his way up the ladder to become a senior software developer.
Who said hard work does not pay?
Fast forward 2 years after graduation (in 2013), he bought his own home. Todd is no stranger to hard work or “the struggle”, but his determination and consistent discipline has turned the American dream into reality.
His hard work did not pay him alone.
He let Alex, who is six years younger than him, stay at his home shortly after Alex’s college graduation in 2017! That way, Alex could maintain some of the freedom he found by living away from home rather than moving back in with his parents! All at the low low cost of…free.
Things turned upside-down for Alex.
Six months later, Todd asked Alex to start paying his fair share. More than fair and still a fantastic deal all things considered! Alex had six months to get on his feet and establish himself in his career.
They lived together and lived quite harmoniously for years. Alex knew his time was coming to fly free and move out of his brother’s house. Except, Todd had a big surprise waiting for Alex.
The weaning stage.
Alex put an offer on a home and, shortly before the end of May, it was accepted. Alex would finally have a house of his own. Such a huge milestone called for celebration from the Burkemper family! They all gathered together and Todd set the plan into motion.
Todd had been, unbeknownst to Alex, secretly saving that rent money!
He was even adding on to those savings a little himself, bolstering what he would eventually give to Alex when he bought a house. Talk about a great big brother, right?
He didn’t want Alex to struggle to make ends meet the same way that he did. This was his way of ensuring his brothers’ financial stability without making him irresponsible.
“Although Alex was puzzled when he saw me with my camera out, he was even more confused, then completely shocked, when Todd held up a screen shot of the savings account balance on his phone. Then, he told Alex the money was his!”
“After posting this story on my FaceBook page that evening, and reading all of the heartwarming responses, I felt compelled to share this story of brotherly love with a wider audience” -Barbara Burkemper, Todd and Alex’s mother “The generosity shown by Todd is just one of many amazing facets of his character. We are so very humbled by the awesome human being he has grown into.”
It must fill Todd and Alex’s parents with so much pride to see what fantastic men they’ve raised with such great work ethics and expectations of absolutely nothing!
Todd and Alex embraced in a hug of brotherly love, something incredibly beautiful to see.
You can watch the video at the link below and we highly recommend you do. It’ll lift anyone’s spirits!
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