BLANCHESTER, Ohio – An Ohio boy wanted something for Christmas that couldn't be wrapped in paper or placed under a tree.
James Croot, 7, read his letter to Santa in front of his elementary school, but didn’t ask for toys.
Recommended Videos
WCPO reports James asked for his dad, Aaron Croot, an Air Force staff sergeant who had been deployed for nine months.
“I love you when you are away from me, and I love you so much when you are near me,” James said in his letter. “I love you when you are deployed, and I miss you so bad.
“I really want to stay with you all the time, but I know that sometimes I can’t be with you… I just wanted to write you this card to tell you that I miss you, and I wish you could come home from Christmas.”
What James didn’t know is that his dad would be home for Christmas. In fact, he was listening from around the corner.
James stood in disbelief as his dad walked out from behind the stage, setting up an emotional reunion between father and son.
Aaron's wife, Megan, planned the surprise and worked with the school to make sure it worked with military precision.
The family will soon move, together, to Germany.