Dad Surprises Son In Unbelievable Way

Marine Staff Sgt. John York has been deployed three times, but this last deployment was his first since his son Bryson was born.  He would be 7,000 miles away.  He decided to celebrate all the holidays he would miss with his son in the precious 10 days of pre-deployment leave.

The father-son duo went trick-or-treating together.  John went to every neighbor’s house on the block and he had candy that he handed to them so they’d be ready when his son rang the doorbell.

Santa came early with wrapped gifts delivered under a decorated Christmas tree and for his 4th birthday, which the two celebrated early, he got a brand new bike.

Although enjoying the holidays early was an amazing treat for their little boy, having a video keepsake of those moments was an even better treat for John.

The father and son have a bond that John’s wife Priscilla says she’d “never be able to match.”

The Empty Chair On Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a joyful time for families to gather, reconnect and celebrate. But for families experiencing a military separation, holidays can be yet another reminder that a deployed family member is not at home to enjoy hearth and home.  Some of us do not stop to think about the responsibilities and pain these families bear.

Here at home the banquet is on the table, but in a military family the focus is often on the chairs. Some of us will have empty chairs, because of deployment or distance from family members. Some will have extra chairs around the table to make room for friends and neighbors to join our uniquely American celebration.

For those who gather near an empty chair, they pray for those who are responsible for their loved one’s safety knowing that the empty chair still holds the promise of their sitting in it next year.

I am thankful for the men and women who sacrificed throughout our nation’s history, from the very beginning up to this very day to secure and preserve freedom in this great land of ours.

We have so much for which to be thankful, one day hardly seems adequate.

Sophie, my little furkid, and I wish for you and yours all the good things in life, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year.  May God bless you.