For kids with a mom or dad serving in the military, life deals them with some unique challenges. Not only do they spend a lot of time apart but there’s also a lingering fear their parent may never return home. These children learn to be tough…they have to be. Although they put on brave faces, you know it’s hard for them to be away from someone they love so much.
The other issue is these kids do a lot of things their deployed moms and dads don’t get to see. Perhaps it’s a softball tournament, graduation, or a school concert. That means they don’t spot their parent in the crowd cheering them on. Even if someone live streams an event, it’s just not the same without their mom or dad there.
Reunion videos
Thanks to people who share their personal stories online, we’ve all had the opportunity to witness reunions between children and parents returning from overseas. Regardless of the scenario, they all bring tears to our eyes. For a lot of these kids, they’ve gone years without hugging their mom or dad.
Moms being gone is often the hardest
That’s not saying that kids don’t miss their dads but it’s somewhat different when a mom’s deployed. After all, she’s the one who usually cooks meals, reads bedtime stories, and fixes “boo-boos.” So, a lot of kids have an even harder time dealing with life when mom’s away.
14 months and waiting
Although one young girl was incredibly proud of her mother’s decision to serve in the military, it was hard not having her at home. Even more difficult, she’d been gone for 14 months. Yes, they chatted online but she desperately wanted to see her mom in person. For now, that wasn’t going to happen.
So festive and beautiful
We’re not sure who’s filming the event, but after panning out to show the entire choir, this individual zoomed in on the girl. She performs her best despite missing her mom. The harmony is spectacular. The song goes on for over three minutes.
Family traditions
After the director and students take a bow, a woman steps up to the mic. I’m not sure if she’s the principal or someone involved with the music department, but she gives a small speech. She explains to the audience that in her home, they have a holiday tradition of having all the kids there at the same time…with mom and dad.
Then something wonderful happens
She then goes on to say, “It’s with great joy to have a reunion tonight with a family that’s been apart for a whole year.” At that point, the person filming again pans in on the girl. It doesn’t appear that she realizes the reunion has anything to do with her. But as soon as the woman speaking says, “We have someone who’s been serving in Africa,” the girl’s eyes light up.
She’s home
As soon as the lady at the mic calls the girl by name to join her, she knows. This reunion is about her. The young girl races across the stage and directly into the loving arms of her mom. Holding each other tightly, the tears start to flow. You can see her mom mouth the words, “Are you happy?” After her daughter nods her head yes, the mom mouths “So am I.”
Especially during these difficult times, people need to support kids of deployed parents and try understand the challenges they face. In the meantime, watch the video below to see this heartfelt reunion. Just be sure to have some tissues nearby.
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Source: YouTube
