The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for families with loved ones serving in the military, it can also be a time of longing and missing those who are far away. Parents, spouses, and children of soldiers often spend the holidays yearning for the presence of their deployed family members, hoping for their safe return.
Photo Credit: KPC News
Kim, a math teacher from Prairie Heights High School, knows this feeling all too well. Her son, Army Spc. Ethan Harris, was deployed in Afghanistan, and as a mother, she could only wish for his safe return to spend the holidays together.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Kim's wish seemed to come true during a holiday lottery at the school. The lottery winner would have the opportunity to ask Santa for whatever they desired for Christmas. As Superintendent Alan Middleton announced the winner, it turned out to be none other than Kim.
Photo Credit: KPC News
Before Kim could make her way to the stage to claim her prize, a surprise guest appeared – Santa Claus himself. Bells jingling and holiday cheer in the air, Middleton announced Santa's arrival, adding a touch of magic to the occasion.
Kim, caught in the moment, shared her heartfelt wish with Santa. Instead of material possessions, she expressed a wish for "Peace on earth, goodwill to men," echoing the sentiments of traditional Christmas carols.
Photo Credit: KPC News
Santa, inquisitive about the best gift she had received that year, learned that Kim's greatest blessing was having her son safely back from Afghanistan and on U.S. soil. Despite being stationed at Fort Campbell in Tennessee, Kim insisted that her son was indeed back.
Emotions overwhelmed Kim as the surprise unfolded. The seemingly ordinary Santa was not who he appeared to be – he was Army Spc. Ethan Harris, Kim's son, who had returned a few days earlier and orchestrated the heartwarming surprise.
Ethan had hidden at his sister's house for days, patiently awaiting the perfect moment to reveal himself. Instead of heading straight home, he chose to make his return extra special by donning the Santa costume at the school breakfast.
Photo Credit: KPC News
Kim's husband, John Harris, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in pulling off the surprise, acknowledging that a few white lies were necessary to maintain the secret. The lies, however, were a small price to pay for the joyous reunion of the Harris family, who would be spending the holidays together after Ethan's heartfelt surprise.
In a season of miracles, this unexpected reunion exemplifies the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of family and the warmth of being together during the most wonderful time of the year.