Derek Schwendeman, a Pennsylvania teen, posted a photo of his grandfather on Reddit. The photograph was shot in 1952, just before his grandfather, Thomas, aged 86, was to be deployed to Korea.
Derek had no idea that his grandfather’s photo would go viral. Over three million people have seen it so far. If you’re wondering why the majority of the responses say he’s really attractive. People can’t stop remarking on his good looks and white teeth. He was even termed “Hot Grandpa” by others.
Thomas can’t believe his old black-and-white photograph has gotten so much attention. But there’s no doubt he enjoys it.
Derek’s grandma, Fleecie, is another person who finds the photo’s attention flattering. She and Thomas had been together for a long time. Even before he began his training, the two became engaged. They married a year later after his training was completed.
Given that they married while they were both extremely young, she claims he didn’t have much of an opportunity to’sow his wild oats.’ She also claims that he has “‘people fussing over him all of the time, but she got him first,” according to Derek.
Thomas went to work with the Bell Telephone Company after his deployment. He worked for the corporation for 30 years before retiring. He did, however, continue to work as a bus driver for a few more years after that.
Derek told People, “My grandfather is, and always has been a very hardworking man, and he imparted that work ethic onto both my father and me.” He is described as a devoted father who constantly prioritizes his family.
When asked if there was anything he would change about the way he lived his life, Thomas replied emphatically, “no.”
Fleecie informed her grandson, “He was always loyal and has taken extremely good care of me.”
To learn more about this touching story, watch the video below.