Military families make a sacrifice alongside their loved ones who serve. The months gone from home, the distance that is often between them can seem to stretch far too long. But for a young child, that time can seem like an eternity. So, when Private Second Class Derick Nazario returned home to Florida after spending 7 months away, his wife knew the moment would be extra special for their three-year-old daughter, Skye.

Derick had been at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for his basic training, and then was sent on to Colorado for a few months longer. His wife, Naiomy Cores, said that Skye would cry at night, wanting her papa. The little girl missed him so much, she said.

Skye the constant giggler. Photo courtesy of Nazario family

So when Naiomy learned Derick was coming home, she decided to meet him in Texas, at her mothers. She said it was an easy decision since the location was about halfway between Colorado and their home in Florida. It was the perfect spot, she said, to surprise Skye.

On the day of Derick’s arrival, Naiomy picked him up at the airport. Once at her parents’ home, she went into the house alone, and sat on the sofa, with her phone ready to film. “My Beautiful Sky,” Derick said, from around a corner. In the video, Skye stops, suddenly unsure at what she just heard. The phrase is one, her mom said, that only Derick said to her.

Photo courtesy of Nazario family

Derick said the phrase again, and then comes around the corner, and Skye yells out ‘Papa!’, running to hug him. While that moment is enough to make anyone cry, the following is just pure joy to watch – Skye hugs her dad, and then can’t stop laughing, her giggles just filling the room.

“I felt like crying when I saw her reaction because I knew how much she missed him,” Naiomy said. “After all the nights she went to sleep crying out for him and finally they were going to sleep together again. Naoimy said she took the video in October 2020 – but only got around to sharing it this year on a social media post that was recalling the joyous moment.

The couple were stunned that the video went viral, quickly amassing millions of views. “We are both in shock still with the reactions online and the video going viral, because we didn’t expect it to be seen by so many people around the world. But kind comments poured in, reminding the couple that there was good in the world.

“I am very, very thankful for the positive comments and good vibes sent our way because of the post,” Naoimy said. “I just hope that people see that, even during these times, we can still hold onto those we care about and love, because that’s what really matters.” Watch below to see the happiest reunion ever!

Sources: Daily Mail | Happily News