Brandy Flores's stepmom, Cheryl, passed away in February 2021 due to COVID-19. Since then, her dad, John, has been visiting her grave daily, often tending to the grass around the tombstone. John, who has been battling small cell lung cancer since 2014, plans to continue this ritual until his own end.

The Story of a Father's Love and Devotion

After Cheryl's Death

Every day since Cheryl's passing, John has made it a point to visit her grave. He sits there, savoring his morning coffee while taking care of the site. He takes pride in maintaining the area around the tombstone as he felt the cemetery's upkeep was lacking. During holidays, he decorates the area with great care, always leaving fresh flowers as a token of his love."John started going to the grave the very day they transferred Cheryl from the hospital to the funeral home. He couldn't bear to leave her side. He planned the most beautiful funeral for her, ensuring she had everything she deserved. The day she was laid to rest, it was a difficult moment for him," Brandy shared.

John's Battle with Cancer and Cheryl's Support

John, 63, has been undergoing treatment for small cell lung cancer since 2014. When he was first diagnosed, the doctors gave him a bleak prognosis of only six weeks to three months to live if the tumors around his vena cava couldn't be shrunk. Throughout his treatment, Cheryl was by his side, helping him find the best doctors and options."I remember how Cheryl was with him at every stage. She attended every appointment, chemo session, radiation treatment, and PET scan. After each scan showed stability, she would celebrate with a cake, balloons, and a family dinner. She was the one who kept him fighting," Brandy recalled.

The Viral Video and the Reactions

In October, Brandy accompanied her dad to Cheryl's grave. She decided to record a video of John cleaning the gravestone. Unbeknownst to him, she posted the video on TikTok, and it quickly gained popularity, amassing over 1.4 million views and 1,400 comments."Everyone has been so kind about his story. I told him he went viral, and he smiled. He wanted Cheryl's story to be told. Whenever he talks about her or we do, he gets emotional. He misses her deeply," Brandy said.However, one comment suggested that John's daily visits weren't healthy and that he should stop. "He is aware of this, but he is doing this to keep her memory alive and show his love for her," Brandy explained.

John's Struggle during Cheryl's Illness

When Cheryl was battling COVID-19, John remained strong. But when the doctors told him she needed to be placed on a ventilator and that she might not come off it, he broke down. "I have never seen my strong daddy cry, not even during his cancer. But that day, he was a wreck. He didn't want her to leave," Brandy remembered.Despite his anguish, Cheryl looked at him and gave him words of encouragement. "Cheryl came into our lives when I was part of a blended family. She loved and cared for us as her own, and my dad did the same for her kids. She was the glue that held our family together. They were together for 30 years, and their love was extraordinary," Brandy added.Looking ahead, Brandy hopes her dad continues to cherish Cheryl's memory and keep her spirit alive. She hopes he can build a bench at her grave site to enjoy his coffee there."I know he will never be the same, but with the time he has left, I just want him to be happy. Our family will never be complete again, but it also won't be the same without him," she said.