Nothing builds the soul more than spending time with your loved ones. However, many parents in the military know what it’s like to be separated from their children, making that time together even more precious.
One teenaged girl knew how hard it was to have a parent gone overseas for deployment. When she finally got a chance to see her father again after seven long months, her heart completely melted. But the best part is it was all a HUGE surprise that’s raked in millions and millions of views!
Meet Kendall the cheerleader.
Kendall Williams is a freshman in high school. This year she achieved an incredible accomplishment by earning a spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. There was no one Kendall wanted to share the news with more than her dad, but he just wasn’t around. As one would expect, it was very painful for her.
Her dad had been gone for a long time.
Kendall’s father, Dale, had been stationed at Guantanamo Bay for the better part of a year, and he missed the beginning of his daughter’s high school life. Dale served as a petty officer; while Kendall was proud of her father’s success, all she really wanted was for him to see her cheer.
When Dale got news that he would be able to visit his family soon, he planned a fantastic surprise for his daughter.
He worked with the school to announce his homecoming at a home football game. The young cheerleader could not have been more shocked. Dale hid behind the color guard at one edge of the football field at Erwin High School. Kendall stood in front of him on the grass, facing away from him.
As some students marched the flags onto the middle of the field, the girl noticed a soldier standing behind her in full uniform. She thought he looked familiar but didn’t put two and two together.
Then came the surprise of a lifetime.
The announcer stated that the school would like to recognize Dale Williams.
Kendall knew the announcement was for her father, but she later explained that she thought it was only a tribute to the man. What she didn’t realize was that Dale was walking up to her right at that moment.
The soldier called out his daughter’s name, and Kendall went into complete shock. She gasped as she wrapped her arms tightly around her father. It meant the world to Kendal that she was able to spend time with her dad again, even if it would only be for a short while.
It’s a surprise that neither of them will ever forget.
The two stood together proudly during the national anthem and the dad beautifully teared up. Then they shared another warm embrace.
Once they had made their way off the field, Kendall described to a reporter how hard it had been to miss her dad for so long. She was so grateful for the time they were able to spend together.
Since the video was posted on YouTube it’s raked in over 44M views. It’s definitely a tear-jerker!
One person commented:
“I can’t stop crying, a loving, brave father, and a daughter who is so very proud of her dad, a great video.”
Another said:
“Of all these types of surprise videos, it’s the best one. A combination of shock, daughter/father love, and genuine respect for the flag and devotion to country demonstrated by both of them made this extremely moving. Godspeed to this family!”
Press play on the video below to see this heartwarming father-daughter reunion for yourself!
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Source: YouTube – WLOS News 13
