West Virginia grandfather travels hundreds of miles with a picture of his late sons to watch granddaughter graduate

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – They say a picture is worth a thousand words but Krystle Haas says this picture she took at Whitmer High School’s graduation Thursday, may be worth a whole lot more.

“He was just chanting and cheering,” said Haas. I wanted his story to be shared. I felt that his story needed to be shared.”

The man in the photo is Salvatore Friscia, better known as “Poppy”. He traveled more than 700 miles round trip just to watch his granddaughter Brooklyn, graduate form Whitmer High School.

“I had to be there,” Poppy said.

He did not come alone though, bringing along a framed picture of his two sons, Brooklyn’s father and uncle, who passed away several years ago.

“I knew they wanted to be there and I made a promise to them that I would take them to every special event in Brooklyn’s life,” said Poppy.

“It was just a really special moment,” Brooklyn said. “I’ve always kind of thought about those things like as far as graduation, or my wedding, or even graduating college. I’ve always kind of thought about those moments and kind of been like wow, my dad’s not going to be there for that.”

Even though they are not with her physically, Brooklyn believes her father and uncle are with her spiritually, and Poppy is just a phone call away.

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