Navy dad travels 17 hours to surprise his son at his graduation — and the boy's reaction said it all
In a heartwarming moment that recently went viral, Navy dad David Castillo traveled 17 hours to surprise his son, Randy Castillo, on the day of his high school graduation. The emotional reunion between a dad and son will remind you of thoughtful gestures that mean the world to someone. It also shows the great lengths a father would go to see his kids happy. Randy graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio Independent School District (San Antonio ISD on Facebook) captured and shared the precious moment.
The clip begins with David saying, “I’m here to surprise my son, to be a part of something for his first steps in life. I just wanted to be here to support my son." However, Randy wasn't aware of the surprise that awaited him. When asked about his dad, the boy said it was sad that he wasn't present at his graduation, as he was overseas, for his Navy post in South China. The camera person then asks Randy to look behind. Much to the high schooler's surprise, his father was standing right behind him, making it to his special day, after all.
The crowd erupts in cheer as David and Randy hug each other - a wholesome moment marking their reunion. Standing beside his father, Randy struggles to contain his emotions. The high school graduate couldn't be happier on his special day thanks to his doting father's beautiful gesture.
As soon as the video went viral, social media users rushed to the comment section to share their views. One Facebook user, Beatrice Marin, commented, “Was watching and cried with them. Dad, thank you for your service, and these are the sacrifices we don’t see that military families live every day!” Another person, Mary Baca, wrote, “So beautiful, congratulations, young man, on your accomplishments, and thank you (father) for your service and for making your son's special day even more special. Congratulations to you both very much.”
Similarly, Ruth L. Magana chimed in to share, “It was really nice we were there, my grandson graduated from there that day! Very happy for them, many blessings to their family, and congrats.” Another person, Lutchie Paraguya, shared, “A very happy occasion indeed, congratulations. I just wonder how it feels if you’re a dad, you are alive, not dead, but you missed all the important moments in your son’s life! If it were me, I would be so sorry and devastated!” Several others in the comment section shared the happiness they felt upon seeing the young boy meet his dad after a long time.
Laura Short, the chief communications officer at San Antonio Independent School District, also commented on the heartwarming moment that occurred at her school graduation. As well as Randy, the rest of the students at the school were also touched by the family reunion, reports The Epoch Times.
Kudos to the graduation team and communication staff at the school, who came together to create the most memorable day for Randy and his family.