Living in Houston, Texas, 32-year-old André Williams surprised his mother with a gesture she will never forget. For the past two years since August 2023, André had been diligently saving up money to pay off his mother’s mortgage.
On September 26 last year, after finally gathering enough funds to clear his mom’s 10-year housing loan, André planned to visit his parents’ home in Verno Mansion, New York. He was eagerly anticipating the moment he could hand over the check to his mother.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Helen disrupted his plans. Unable to meet his parents in person, André created a heartfelt video message, which he sent to his sister to play for their mother on September 27.
In the video, he expressed his gratitude for his mother’s 32 years of “unconditional love” and unwavering support towards him. “Nothing you’ve done is in vain,” he said in the emotional message.
Then, right before her eyes, he revealed the check that would clear the remaining balance of her mortgage. The house where André grew up, the house his mother had been paying off for 20 years, was now officially hers, solely owned by her. The burden lifted, his mother could suddenly feel lighter for the remaining decade.
His mother had never expected any of this and was moved to tears by the unexpected gift. “She was very thankful,” André told The Epoch Times, noting that she shed “many tears” and felt “very grateful.”
André expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices his parents had made to raise him and his siblings. With his mother working in healthcare and his father as an electrician, they both worked tirelessly to provide a stable and loving home for André and his two siblings.
Growing up, André enjoyed sports, art, and playing music at church, interests his parents encouraged him to pursue. Ambitious and hardworking, he quickly excelled in his career, climbing the professional ladder. He now serves as a project manager at Microsoft, a position he has held for three years.
“In my lifetime, I’ve had successes in many things: through my career, through other ventures I’ve invested in, and similar things,” André said.
He explained that he had always been grateful for his mother’s love, especially since she was diagnosed with progressive heart failure two years ago. Wanting to alleviate her stress, he believed there was no better gift than paying off her mortgage. “Paying off her debt has always been my dream,” André said.
Approximately six months after his mother’s heart condition diagnosis, André told her that his mortgage statement had expired and he needed her mortgage document for reference. Though it took her a few months to send it, she eventually delivered it to him.
Analyzing the statement, André calculated the amount needed to settle the debt. Thus began a journey filled with secrecy, hope, and love. This journey reached its peak on that joyous day in September.
When asked how much he paid, André deemed it too private to share with readers. He shared that this money could have been used for “a million other things,” but nothing was more important than ensuring his parents could fully enjoy their lives.
“I think one of the best gifts you can give is to give back to your parents,” he said.
**Translation from Chinese to English**:
【Reported on January 21, 2025, by the English Epoch Times reporter Deborah George/translated by Zhao Ziji】
Raised in Houston, Texas, 32-year-old André Williams brought his mother an unforgettable surprise. Unknown to his family, this young man had been saving money since August 2023 to repay his mother’s home mortgage.
On September 26 last year, after raising enough money to clear his mother’s 10-year mortgage, André had planned to visit his parents’ home in Verno Mansion, New York. He eagerly looked forward to the moment he could hand the check over to his mother.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Helen disrupted this plan.
Unable to see his parents in person at the time, André created a video and sent it to his sister for her to play for their mother on September 27.
In the video, he expressed gratitude for his mother’s “unconditional love” over the past 32 years and her unwavering support for him. “Everything you have done has not been in vain,” he said in the video.
Then, before her eyes, he revealed the check that could repay the remaining mortgage for her.
The house where André grew up, which his mother had been repaying the loan on for 20 years, was now hers, owned solely by her. In this way, the burden was lifted, and his mother suddenly felt more at ease for the remaining ten years.
His mother had never anticipated any of this, shedding tears with her head bowed.
“She is very appreciative,” André told the Epoch Times, adding that she shed “many tears” and felt “extremely grateful.”
André was deeply grateful for the sacrifices his parents had made to raise him and his siblings. His mother worked in the healthcare industry, while his father was an electrician. Both worked hard to provide André and his siblings with a stable and loving home.
In his youth, André enjoyed sports, art, and playing music in church, with his parents encouraging him to pursue his interests. Ambitious and hardworking, he quickly excelled in his career, continuously ascending the professional ladder. He has now served as a project manager at Microsoft for three years.
“I have achieved success in many aspects throughout my life: through my career, through other ventures I have invested in, and similar things,” said André.
He elaborated that he had always been grateful for his mother’s love, especially when she was diagnosed with progressive heart failure two years ago. He wanted to help alleviate her stress.
What better gift could there be than paying off her mortgage? “Paying off her debt has always been my dream,” André said.
Around six months after his mother’s heart diagnosis, André told her that his mortgage statements had expired, requiring her mortgage proof for reference. While it took her a few months to send out, she eventually delivered it to him.
Analyzing the statement, he determined the amount required to pay off the debt. Thus began a journey of discretion, hope, and love, culminating in that joyful day in September.
When asked about the amount he paid, André deemed it private and unavailable for sharing with readers. He mentioned that this money could have been used for “a million other things,” but nothing was more significant than ensuring his parents could enjoy their lives to the fullest.
“I believe that giving back to your parents is one of the best gifts you can give.”