SOUTHWICK – A local family received a random act of kindness from an unknown stranger last week. About three weeks ago, Cassandra Brach-Vergnani went to the Southwick New Cemetery to visit her nephew Tanner Brach, who passed away August 7, 2017.
Brach, who was 24-years-old, was a member of the U.S. Navy and passed away while serving on the U.S. Naval Base in San Diego, Calif. after returning to the United States from being aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in Japan.
An individual placed butterfly ornaments near Tanner Brach’s grave. (Photo from Cassandra Brach Vergnani)
When arriving to his grave, Brach-Vergnani noticed that the butterflies that were previously on Brach’s grave, were now gone. After speaking with staff members of the Southwick New Cemetery, Brach’s aunt came to the conclusion that the butterflies may have been stolen.
“It really upset my daughters because they couldn’t understand why someone would do that,” said Brach-Vergnani.
Just last week, Brach-Vergnani and her daughters made their daily visit to Brach’s grave and saw there was a display of about 50 butterflies, all different colors and shapes. The unknown person also left a card for the family that also indicated they were from Random Acts, a world-wide organization that helps people fundraise money to perform random acts of kindness.
Brach-Vergnani was taken away by the gesture that was made.
“It really did restore my faith,” said Brach-Vergnani. “It was such a nice surprise, it’s just amazing.”
Unsure if she and the rest of her family will ever know the individual or people that did this gesture, Brach-Vergnani would love to thank them.
“We’d like to say thank you,” said Brach-Vergnani. “It really makes a difference.”
