soldier surprises daughterAre you ready for another military homecoming video that will melt your heart? This one is gonna deliver the mushiest holiday heart-melt ever. Sgt. Brett Randall has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan and he found the perfect way to surprise his family: He showed up at the end of his 4-year-old daughter's dance recital!

Even better, in the video, we get to see him just before the big surprise, and his grin of anticipation is worth a million. But that's not even the best part -- you'll just have to see the whole adorable, joyful video. Gather 'round the computer screen to see one of the sweetest military homecomings of the year!

This video is especially gratifying because, as Sgt. Randall tells us, he's missed many holidays without his daughter, Stephanie. But this year he got to watch Stephanie's holiday dance recital (OMG, cuuuute dance costumes!). When the girls line up for their curtain call, Sgt. Randall steps up onto the stage with a bouquet of flowers and you can hear his daughter yell "DADDY!!!" She's so excited! Seeing Stephanie squeal "lit me up inside," Sgt. Randall says. "It was just like magic."

But it's when his wife, Jennifer, joins him on stage that I fall apart. These tearful reunions get me every time. It's just so beautiful to see these loved ones come back together. They miss each other so much. Sgt. Randall has been gone for six months -- in Afghanistan, one scary location for American military personnel. It's a huge sacrifice these soldiers make, not just living away from their families, but living in danger zones. 

The crowd gave the reunion a standing ovation -- of course! And then Sgt. Randall waved and said graciously, "Sorry for interrupting." Sorry for interrupting?!? That was the best part of the whole evening! What a gift for the community for Sgt. Randall to share his homecoming with them all. I wish every military family could be together for the holidays. But for those who are apart this season, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you all can be reunited with your loved ones soon.

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Are you all together this holiday season, or are you missing someone this year?

 

Image via MSNBC