Being in the military is tough and not just because of the training. After all, when you’re in a combat zone you’re at a higher risk of death. But even in peacetime, the military life still takes its toll in the form of the long months of separation from one’s family. And it’s not just the soldiers who are affected but the family members left behind to anxiously wait for their loved one to come home.
Such was the case for Lieutenant Scott Brown who is a Marine serving in Afghanistan. His 4-year-old daughter Alyssa went on a trip to Disneyland, a wish come true for every kid, but she had no greater wish than to have her dad with her. And it was about to come true, thanks to the help of family and the Disneyland staff.
A video of the moment was recorded and Alyssa’s mom Jennifer said, “Turn your sound up. It’s pretty touching what Alyssa told Snow White.”
It turns out that Scott had already flown home but Alyssa and her baby brother Liam didn’t know. And with the help of the family’s friend Anna and her co-workers, they managed to make the reunion a big surprise for the children and even clued in Hotel Management on what was going down.
Jennifer’s plan was for her daughter to go to the wishing and well throw coins into it while making a wish at which point Scott would appear. But Anna and the other Disney ladies managed to put in a twist when they informed Snow White of the plan in advance.
And to help with the magical surprise, Snow White even positioned herself outside longer than planned. Both she and Alyssa went over to the well, they both covered their eyes, and the little girl made a wish.
She said, “I wish with all my heart my daddy would come home.” And with perfect timing, when the little girl put her hands down, she saw her daddy.
Still in uniform, Scott dropped down to one knee and waited for his little girl as she ran over to him and wraps him in a long-overdue embrace.
Jennifer wrote on YouTube, “Since the reunion earlier today, Alyssa has been sticking right to Scott’s side & every few minutes kept saying, ‘I missed you, Daddy.’ Later that night, Scott tucked Alyssa into bed, she put both hands on the side of his face and said, ‘Daddy, my wish came true.’”
According to Jennifer, the amazing staff at Disneyland made them feel like “royalty” and they’re forever grateful to the staff for their help.
“Thank you again to these amazing people who made us feel so welcome & made this reunion one to remember!!! You went over & above – thank you.”