During these difficult times, we can all use as many feel-good stories as we can find. But one story plays out whether there’s a pandemic going on or not. That’s when moms and dads deployed overseas get to come home and surprise their kids.
Thanks to people who share videos online, we get to see these heartwarming reunions as they unfold. Remember, a lot of parents are gone for more than a year. During that time, their children change…a lot. Although they still talk via Skype, Face Time, and other real-time messaging apps, it’s just not the same as seeing them in person.
Proud and strong
Of course, we celebrate the sacrifices that men and women make regardless of which branch of the military they serve. But as you probably know, the United States Marine Corps is said to be the elite group. These soldiers must meet stringent guidelines just to be accepted.
Waiting at home
For one little girl, having her father gone was super difficult. Although she’s so young, she has fond memories of her dad and misses him terribly. All she wants is to see her daddy.
Mommy’s surprise
Knowing how much this toddler loves her dad, the mom wanted to make his homecoming special. She didn’t just want him to walk through the door but instead, her goal was to create a new memory, one their daughter would never forget.
Searching for her gift
The mom tells her daughter she has a gift for her. She then asked the girl what she thinks it is. Her response, “cookies.” The mom then asks her how many cookies to which the daughter replies, “two cookies.” That’s when she begins searching through the house for her present.
Nope…not in here
She starts in the living room but the mom explains that’s not where her gift is. So, the girl runs to the door leading to the front yard. Surely, it has to be out there.
And she was right
As she opens the door, she sees a massive present, all perfectly wrapped. This thing is huge. As the girl squeals, her mom tells her, “That’s a big box for cookies.” Hmm…we wonder what it could be.
She’s in awe
This gift is so large that for a few seconds the little girl just stands there staring at it. She’s never seen anything like it before. When watching the video, you can feel her excitement but also her confusion.
Unwrapping her gift
The mom then asks her daughter, “Can you get the wrapping paper off?” Without wasting a second, she begins to pull the paper off with her tiny hands. Strip by strip, she starts to make progress.
Say cookies
Then, the girl’s told to knock on the box and say “cookies,” which she does. That’s when the top flap opens and there in person is her daddy. For a moment, she’s shocked but that quickly turns to joy.
Oops
This girl’s so excited that as she steps backward, she stumbles and plops down on the front steps. Then, she begins kicking her little legs while saying, “Daddy, daddy, daddy…”
A long-awaited hug
First, her dad crouches down to give his daughter a big hug. But then, he picks her up and gently cradles her. There’s no question these two missed each other. Initially, all she wanted was a couple of cookies but this gift beat’s that any day.
They can’t stop smiling
As this father and daughter embrace, they can’t wipe the smiles off their faces. This is the best present any little girl could hope for. Thanks to the mom behind the camera, we get to enjoy the reunion right along with them. And if you notice, the doll with a photo of her dad on it never leaves her hands.
Whether you’re having a good or bad, watching this video will make you smile, too. To date, more than 1.2 million people have viewed it and you can as well simply by clicking on it below.
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