Man surprises girlfriend with Build-A-Bear recording of late mother's voice

Hope Schreiber
·Writer
Updated
A young woman's boyfriend surprised her with a Build-A-Bear featuring a recording of her late mother's voice. (Photo: Twitter)
A young woman's boyfriend surprised her with a Build-A-Bear featuring a recording of her late mother's voice. (Photo: Twitter)

A young Kansas woman was brought to tears by a heartwarming surprise from her boyfriend, and a video of her reaction has now gone viral.

Madison Garcia's boyfriend, Cole, both 18, was hoping to make their five-month anniversary special and knowing that her late mother’s birthday was approaching on July 9, he wanted to somehow respect her memory.

"He never met my mom," Garcia tells Yahoo Lifestyle. "So he felt the need to do something to show he cares about her and me."

On April 29, 2017, Garcia's mother, Melissa, died by suicide. "I just miss her always being there. It's very cliche, but she definitely was my best friend," says Garcia. "It's hard not having her here for very big moments, like my first prom and graduation... I won't even have her there for when I or any of my siblings get married."

Cole had the idea to get Garcia a Build-A-Bear for their anniversary and to include a special recording from her mother. With her sister, Breckyn's, help, he was able to get the last voicemail the sisters have from Melissa.

While Cole was initially planning to present the gift on Melissa's birthday, he was too excited to wait. On Tuesday, Cole surprised Garcia with his thoughtful present while her sister filmed her reaction.

"I was shocked at first because I was so confused about how he even got the voicemail," says Garcia. "After listening to it, I was just filled with a bunch of emotions, but the tears were definitely happy tears to even be able to hear her voice again."

Her boyfriend's kind gesture moved many Twitter users.

Garcia, who has a tattoo of her mother's handwriting, says that there are certain aspects of Melissa's personality that she, herself, will always carry.

"I'm outspoken like she was, she never really kept anything to herself," Garcia jokes. "Just like I don't."

Garcia considers her mother to be the "best guardian angel anyone could ever have."

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.

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