A heartwarming surprise unfolded in Mounds, Okla., when eight-year-old Cash received an unexpected gift from his older brother, Parker Perner, a U.S. Marine returning home for good after a year of active duty. Parker, 23, who had been deployed twice on lengthy missions across various countries, orchestrated the surprise with the help of their mother, Kim.

The plan was simple: Cash was led to believe he was receiving a reward for doing so well in school. With a blindfold on, Cash eagerly waited for his surprise while Parker quietly entered the room, clutching his Marine’s cap. As Kim prepared to hand over the supposed gift, Parker stealthily dropped his cap into Cash’s awaiting hands.

Cash’s reaction was pure joy as he uncovered his blindfold to find his brother’s cherished cap. However, the real surprise came when his mother pointed out Parker standing behind him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Cash fell backward in shock before running to hug his brother.

Reflecting on the emotional moment, Kim said, “Parker and Cash are extremely close — they have always had a very special bond.”

It’s always heart-breaking to see them say goodbye and so very heart-warming every time there was a reunion.”

“There were a few times I almost let it slip, but luckily I always recovered it in such a way Cash never had a clue,” Kim said. “The pair’s other older brother, Tanner, was at the house and the idea was to blind fold Cash and to let him think he’s getting a surprise for making good grades at school,” she said. “Parker had the idea to place the (cap) into his hands and see if he could guess the shape of it.”

Parker Perner hugs his little brother, Cash, after surprising him. Perner had been deployed for more than a year. Photo courtesy of Kim Perner

“It really went way better than we expected,” she continued. “We figured once he saw the cover he would figure it out that Parker was there – but he still didn’t know.” She went on to say that her :emotions were very high as well seeing the emotion between the two as they hugged.”

“It was such a touching moment and a wonderful day,” Kim said. The video capturing their reunion went viral, reaching 1.5 million views on YouTube. Commenters were moved by the genuine love and connection between the brothers, expressing their emotions in the comments.

“Now THAT is something I love to see. Love this,” one viewer wrote. “Love the emotion in the dad’s voice. Love that bond between the brothers.” “Instantly, I bust out in tears too, just when he did,” wrote another. “Still there, two big fat tears hanging onto my cheeks…for dear life…that is love there…that is so cool. Praying for Big Brother to return safe and healthy! God bless you all :)”

Parker’s active service included one deployment on the U.S.S. America and another deployment that took him to several countries around the world. He hadn’t seen Cash in more than a year. That is another reason why these reunions matter so much. They stand as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and how precious the moments are when they get to return home. Watch their tearful reunion below.

Sources: Daily Mail | ABC7 NY