A father-of-two has spelled out the name of his neighbor in Christmas lights for the past two decades in a heartwarming tradition to honor him.
56-year-old Mike Witmer says people are left baffled by his light display on the roof as it reads ‘Hi Kevin.’
He then explained that the message is actually a tribute to his late friend and neighbor – a young man who passed away from cancer.
For the past 20 years, he has featured his name in beautiful light displays, and it’s leaving people in tears.
Mike and Kevin had lived on the same neighborhood, and Kevin enjoyed seeing the light display every year.
But in 2002, Kevin was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Mike then decided to write ‘Get Well Kevin’ in Christmas lights.
He continued to make a reference to his friend in his decorations every year.
In 2010, Kevin passed away from cancer at the age of 19.
But even after his death, Mike continued to honor his friend’s life by continuing their tradition, installing a huge display on his roof every December so that Kevin could see it from above.
This year marks 20 years since Kevin was diagnosed with cancer and the sweet tradition was born.
Kevin’s family has since moved but his family have kept in touch with Mike over the years.
After sharing the story on Facebook, it attracted thousands of likes and comments by people touched by his heartbreaking tribute.
“I’m very appreciative for all the attention it’s getting. It’s really been amazing,” Mike said. “But when I started the lights tradition, it was just a little gesture to Kevin, and it still is.”
He continued: “I’m thrilled to be along for the ride, but it’s not really about me. It’s just a tribute to a really cool kid who didn’t deserve what was happening to him.”
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