marine meets baby for the first time

Can you even begin to imagine just how tough it is for the members of our military to be overseas when their babies are born? Missing the amazing moment of their children entering the world is absolutely heartbreaking, and that's why it's impossible not to tear up after hearing about a Marine dad who met his baby girl for the first time this past Monday when he arrived home at the Tampa airport.

Fernando Chuva's wife and his 4-month-old baby daughter, Sophia, were waiting to greet him when his plane landed -- and the sweet little baby even had a sign taped to her infant carrier that read, "I've waited my entire life to meet you ... Welcome home, Daddy."

You can see some of Fernando's reunion with his family in this video clip -- you might want to grab a box of tissues before watching it.

Cue. The. Tears!! I get choked up anytime I watch the brave members of our military come home and reunite with their loved ones, but my heart was bursting even more for this proud dad. Meeting his little girl for the first time must have been so overwhelming -- and he and his wife both looked so thrilled and relieved to finally be together as a family.

And then when the report got to the part about Fernando having to go back to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks, my heart broke a little bit again. This was definitely a very bittersweet reunion, and it just makes you appreciate even more every single day you have with your family. It's amazing how much we take the small moments for granted.

What words of thanks and support would you offer to Fernando and his family?

 

Image via KTLA