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The news is often filled with harsh reminders that life is a hard slog; but once in a while we see heartwarming stories such as the Christmas surprise this military dad gave his family, and our faith is renewed.
Navy officer Rob Stella’s kids were set to have yet another Christmas without their dad, but these kiddos weren’t about to let their holiday come to a halt just because Dad was serving our country in the Middle East. So, the kids went off for that American tradition, a visit with Santa, to tell the big guy what they want for Christmas–and to have some photos taken.
Stella’s three children, two teenage boys and a younger daughter, went off to Santa this week; but when it came time for photos, their serviceman dad gave them the photobombing they’ll never forget.
As the camera snapped, there behind them was their dad, popping up from behind Santa! It’s a Christmas wish come true.
“It couldn’t have gone more perfectly. Santa was pretty helpful. It was a good time,” Stella said.
“I was supposed to fly back from the Middle East on the 4th, but I got bumped from that and was pushed back a few days so my kids didn’t think I’d be home. On Thanksgiving Day though, we found out that myself and my guys on my command would still be able to make that flight, so my wife knew but my kids didn’t,” Stella, a serviceman for 23 years, told ABC News.
“I was hidden behind the bench as people were getting their photos taken with Santa,” Stella continued. “I could hear my kids and I know their voice, and the signal was going to be ‘1, 2, 3’ for the lady taking the picture, and then I’d know they would be looking at her so I could pop up and be in the background.”
As the serviceman popped up from behind Santa, it took a minute, but the kids finally noticed.
“The gig was up then,” said Stella. “My youngest son came over to give me a hug and my daughter broke down crying.”
The surprise was doubly so for Stella’s daughter, Maddie. Not only did her dad make it home for Christmas, but this month is also her birthday.
“I was so excited that I can’t even explain it,” said Maddie.
“Her reaction just makes my heart melt,” the military dad explained.
h/t: Fox Insider