Posted on 05/10/2007 5:13:42 PM PDT by LurkedLongEnough
DES MOINES, Iowa -- A 10-year-old boy got a surprise of a lifetime Tuesday at his Des Moines elementary school.
Zech Reeder, 10, didn't expect his dad home from Iraq until next month, but his family had other ideas.
Zech played his heart out during recess at Brubaker Elementary School. Little did he know what the day would bring.
Zech said he missed not being able to come home and see his dad like he used to.
In class on Tuesday, Zech got down to work with other students.
Above the students' heads hangs a paper chain that numbers the days his father has been away. Zech had no idea his dad, Master Sgt. Mark Reeder, was waiting downstairs to surprise him.
Reeder said he had been gone for so long and he wanted to show up and say, "Here I am."
"I think he's going to be surprised," Reeder said.
As Reeder and other family members made their way to the classroom, Zech's teacher came up with a reason to get Zech out of the room.
Once everyone was in place, they waited.
When Zech entered the classroom, his mouth dropped. He received a bear hug from his father.
Zech, his mother, Faith, and even students shed tears.
Faith Reeder said the return home had been a long time coming.
"He was a big help. He was the man of the house. He grew up a lot when his dad was gone," Zech's mother said.
Reeder was gone for about seven months. He serves in the U.S. Air Force and said he participated in construction projects to help improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens.
"This class has written me two or three times. They're good kids. It's good to be home," Reeder said.
Zech was allowed to leave school early after his dad came to see him.
And midway through reading the posting, my screen went all fuzzy.
A couple of months ago, a similar story and video was on FR. Dad-soldier had turned, surprised young boy at school.
These reunions are so heartwarming.
Next time I go, I hope I can pull off something like this. my lil’ guy deserves it.
Awwwwwgeez
What a wonderful story.
Blessings to this family.
Thank you for your service Old Sarge.
Thanks for your service. :) And tell your son thank you for sharing his Dad with the rest of us..
Great video at the link!
Thanks! You are so right!
Kid cannot let go of his Dad. Wonderful setup surprise by school, very respectful.
The image of that little boy (I think he was about seven) when he recognized his dad standing at the front of the classroom...him leaping out of his chair, shouting “Daddy!” and running into his father’s arms...I just can’t forget that.
And now I can add this to my memory.
Screen is blurry...God bless them all.
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