The youngster wants to help his stepfather with legal fees to adopt him and his big brother.
A 14-year-old boy from South Carolina started a lawn care business for the sweetest reason. Tyce Pender of Cayce wants to help his stepfather with the legal fees needed to adopt him and his big brother Tylee, 15.
Tyce can't remember his life without his stepfather, Eric Jenkins. "He's been a father figure to me since I was 2," Tyce told TODAY Parents. "He's always been there for us and helps me with anything I need like homework."
Tyce Pender, 14, wants his stepfather Eric Jenkins to adopt him and his big brother, so he started a lawn care business to help cover the legal costs. https://t.co/72BEeerzJe
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Tyce's mother, Marcy Jenkins, married Eric Jenkins in 2014 after they dated for four years. After being sure about Eric adopting the two boys, they have found a lawyer to take up the case pro bono despite which the legal fees will cost the family several thousand dollars.
The two brothers and their 14-year-old stepsister, Tierrianna want their parents to legalize an adoption. "This is important because Eric teaches me respect, independence, and what a man is supposed to be," explained Tyce. "If anything ever happens to my mom, Eric is who I'd want to live with." He added, "Court is expensive. I thought I could make enough money to pay for the adoption."
The 36-year-old stepfather was extremely moved by Tyce's thoughtfulness. The machinist said, "Caring for Tyce is my job. His heart is in the right place." Adds mom Marcy "It's a powerful thing that Tyce wants to give this recognition (to his stepfather)."
Tyce came up with the idea of lawn mowing because of his older brother, Jayden, 21. "I used to cut grass with my oldest brother, and so I thought... I could just cut grasses," Tyce told THV11. That is when he asked his mom to help get him started.
Marcy purchased him a $192 battery-powered lawnmower after which Tyce posted about his business on Facebook, stating, "I am 14 years old and today my mom gave me a business loan and i was able to purchase a rechargeable lawn mower. I do have safety glasses and gloves and I am hoping to find some yards to cut and maybe even maintain them. I go to school during the week and I am available some afternoons and all day on Saturday and Sundays. I also have an electric leaf blower and a rake, too. I am wanting to make this into a business so I can have my own business but right now I am not bonded."
The teenager ended up getting more than 100 responses for his venture. Sarah Larrabee, his first customer said, "It went so well, he was such a sweet kid, so polite and like just so happy to be there and excited to have his first job, and it was just so sweet."
The youngster recently announced that he has received a business license from The City Of Cayce. "I'm glad that he wanted to do this and even if he really doesn't make anything it's good for him...We're very proud of Tyce and he tries really hard and he's got so many goals," Marcy Jenkins said.
References:
https://www.today.com/parents/parents/teen-lawn-mowing-business-stepfather-adoption-rcna33563
https://www.thv11.com/article/features/young-man-starts-lawn-care-business/
Cover Image Source: YouTube | News 19 WLTX
