Heartwarming Tearjerker of the Day: TJ has cerebral palsy, so he didn’t have much control growing up. 

But his physical therapist allowed him to ride the elevator as a reward on rough days — being able to manipulate the buttons, choose the floors, and decide where he was going gave him an ownership over his situation and environment that he craved. 

Now known as TJ Elevator Man, he’s ridden thousands of elevators throughout the country; he even has a his own website that chronicles his journeys checking out elevators. 

Which brings us to the video: When Hampton Inn in Ashville, N.C., found out TJ was staying there, they scrambled to mark the occasion. Watch as they make him an honorary member of the team, give him a lil’ jacket and nametag, and film a video in the hotel’s elevator for his website. 

Great stuff. 

[thanks, cole!]