When Bud told Miss Thomas about how he found out that Herman is his grandfather, what happened?

Bud goes upstairs to get the photograph of his mother to show to Miss Thomas and Mr. Jimmy, seeking confirmation that she is Mr. Calloway's daughter. He enters his room to find his grandfather sitting in there, sobbing. After a quiet attempt to console his grandfather, Bud takes the photograph downstairs. Mr. Jimmy and Miss Thomas confirm that it is a photo of Angela Janet Calloway.

Bud gives his grandfather the photograph and all but one of the rocks he's guarded so carefully for so long. The band members buy a gift for Bud, a saxophone, and tell him they will teach him how to play it after he shines it. He finds his family and the path to a future beyond depression.