We can’t help but light up when a loved one tells us they plan on obtaining a military career. However, another part of us is saddened. Not only do many military careers involve dangerous circumstances, but being in the military often means our loved ones won’t get to spend as much time with us. This means they’ll miss family birthdays, many holidays, special events, and important milestones. So, whenever our military loved one eventually returns home, it’s always a special moment.
When one U.S. marine was giving the ‘okay’ to return home for the holidays in December of 2013, he decided to show up on his mother’s doorstep without telling her first. The perfect Christmas surprise! The footage of the surprise was captured and posted by the marine’s brother-in-law, Deral Meek, Jr., which earned over seven million views.
In the short yet emotional clip, the marine confidently walks up to Mom’s front door, dressed head to toe in his uniform. Not long after knocking on her door, Mom opens the door in a robe, loudly screaming and instantly giving her son a big hug! “Oh my God!” the mom repeats multiple times. She definitely didn’t expect such an early Christmas gift, let alone, her son as the Christmas gift! And I have a feeling this momma already got everything she wanted for Christmas: her son to return home.
The mom’s reaction perfectly describes how all of us feel on the inside when we see someone we haven’t seen in a very long time. Even the marine son is emotional. His large, toothy grin says it all!
Another military mom can relate in the comments section of the video:
“That is so sweet! I am a military mom and let me tell you – when my son got on that bus for basic training, I was there to see him off. When he graduated basic training I was there to celebrate his accomplishment. When my son turned 21 during Intel school I drove to have his first legal drink with him. I was there when he graduated with honors. I was there when he graduated from jump school. I worked 12 hours and drove all night to see him earn his wings. I was there to see him off to Iraq. I know the excitement of that knock on the door. It’s the most amazing feeling ever to see my baby home again. Thank you for your service young man and the sacrifice your family makes with you. Thank you!”
Watching servicemen and women surprising their loved ones never gets old. Watch the marine surprise his mother below!
