The daughter of a U.S. Army officer deployed overseas received the surprise of a lifetime before her high school graduation in Alabama. A viral video of the heartwarming moment shows the teen, Jai Sisk, sitting in a restaurant and watching a video message from her mom, Chief Warrant Officer Trina Sisk, CBS News reports.
“Though I’m not there with you in person, know that I am always there,” the military mom said in the emotional video message, which included a montage of photos of her daughter throughout the years.
Seconds after the video concluded, Jai turned around and shockingly found her mother standing behind her. The pair then jumped into each other’s arms and held on as tight as possible while sobbing.
In the video message, Trina encouraged her daughter to be proud of all the challenges she has overcome.
“The day has finally come for you to cross that threshold of high school dreams to real-life adulthood,” the military mom said. “Everything you have endured over these last 18 years — trials, success, failures, wanted, unwanted advice, lectures, were preparing you for this day. So enjoy this precious moment. I have no doubt that this will be the first of many to come.”
Trina also raved about her daughter, saying she is proud to see her grow into a “strong and independent woman.”
“I’m so lucky and blessed to be your mom,” she said. “Congratulations on your graduation. You deserve all the great things coming to you. I love you so very much.”
Jai, who never expected to see her mom on that day, made a joke as the video ended.
“She looks like one of the soldiers in the videos on TV,” the teen said in the video shared by CBS News.
But Trina was standing beside the young woman the whole time. Surrounded by loved ones at the restaurant, the mother and daughter exchanged a warm embrace.