Having to leave his pregnant wife four days before she’s about to deliver must have been so hard for Bryson Farris and his family from Huntsville, Alabama, USA. While they are a military family and know the sacrifices that come with being one, it’s still not easy to pick up and leave at the drop of a dime, unsure of when and if you’ll return. Bryson knew he’d miss his family deeply and think of them every day he’s gone, but imagine what it would be like coming home to a brand new family member you’ve never met! You just hope and pray that the bond and the b***d tie are strong enough to connect you through time and distance.
Sweet baby boy Ryker Farris, who is now 11-months old, hasn’t met his dad Bryson. Bryson was deployed to serve with his battalion across ten different countries in the Middle East days just before Ryker was born. It’s been nearly a year now, and finally, Bryson is back.
Everyone is gathered here today at the airport. Families are patiently waiting for their loved ones to land safely. Ryker’s grandma and family are waiting, eager for their baby to meet his father. Grandma Shari Farris says, “Missing him [Bryson] has been one thing. But this little guy kinda makes it a little bit sadder knowing that he’s not seen him.”
There’s been lots of phone calls and Facetime, but there’s nothing like holding your infant son in your arms, something Bryson has been thinking and dreaming about since the day he left, and the soldier says that he will soak in every moment he can with his beloved son now that he’s back home.
So, how did it feel for Bryson to hold his baby for the first time? “Overwhelming, honestly. Nervous. At first, I didn’t know how he’d act when he first saw me,” he says. But Ryker latched on pretty well, and quickly! It seems like these two had no problem getting to know each other. From their first hug to being snuggled right into dad’s chest, Ryker is happy to have a big missing part of his little life restored.
Let me warn you that you may need a tissue for this one, so before you get the clip, have some handy!
Click below to watch the heartfelt moment between father and son for their first time!