A father’s grief has led to the creation of a unique and poignant headstone for his son, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 26. The sculpture, a wheelchair made of bronze, serves as a lasting tribute to the young man’s life and struggles.

The father, Mark Brnovich, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, shared his story with NPR. He explained that his son, also named Mark, had been born with a rare genetic disorder that caused him to be born without a hip joint. Mark used a wheelchair throughout his life, but he never let his disability hold him back. He was an avid gamer and loved to spend time with his friends.

When Mark passed away unexpectedly last year, his father knew that he wanted to create something special to honor his memory. He turned to an artist, Austin Weishel, who had previously created a sculpture of a firefighter for a 9/11 memorial. Weishel listened to Mark’s story and spent months crafting a sculpture that captured the spirit of his son.

The resulting sculpture, which is about the size of a real wheelchair, is made of bronze and features intricate details, such as the wheels and the seat cushion. Weishel also added personal touches, such as a PlayStation controller resting on the seat, to reflect Mark’s love of gaming. The headstone itself is made of granite and features a plaque with Mark’s name and dates of birth and death.

Brnovich told NPR that the sculpture has helped him cope with his grief. “It’s almost like a living thing,” he said. “It’s a tribute to my son, but it’s also a tribute to all the people who struggle with disabilities.”

The sculpture has also garnered attention from others who have experienced loss. Brnovich has received messages from people around the world who have been moved by the tribute to his son. He hopes that the sculpture will inspire others to create meaningful memorials for their loved ones.

Weishel, the artist behind the sculpture, told NPR that he was honored to be able to create something that would bring comfort to Brnovich and others who have experienced loss. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to create something that has meaning and purpose,” he said.

The wheelchair sculpture headstone is a testament to the power of art to heal and honor. It serves as a reminder that even in death, we can find ways to celebrate the lives of those we have lost.