"Honey, I'm hooooome!" Families of soldiers can't wait to hear those three words after their loved one has been off fighting in foreign lands. Though their arrival is usually more than enough, many returning soldiers are choosing to re-enter their old lives by surprising their families at school, sporting events or on their local news. The clip above is of a young girl who is shocked to see her father walk into her classroom. Though many people will choke up while watching it, some claim this type of surprise is exploiting the children and their situation. Others argue it helps to bring understanding and compassion to the armed service lifestyle. Certainly much of the decision should be made on each situation and the children involved as some may react favorably while others may harbor ill feelings about their parent's deployment. What do you think of these home videos — are they exploiting or embracing?
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"Honey, I'm hooooome!" Families of soldiers can't wait to hear those three words after their loved one has been off fighting in foreign lands. Though their arrival is usually more than enough, many returning soldiers are choosing to re-enter their old lives by surprising their families at school, sporting events or on their local news. The clip above is of a young girl who is shocked to see her father walk into her classroom. Though many people will choke up while watching it, some claim this type of surprise is exploiting the children and their situation. Others argue it helps to bring understanding and compassion to the armed service lifestyle. Certainly much of the decision should be made on each situation and the children involved as some may react favorably while others may harbor ill feelings about their parent's deployment. What do you think of these home videos — are they exploiting or embracing?
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I have no idea how to feel about this. It depends on the parents' motivation to surprise the child. I suppose my overall opinion is that these kids are lucky to have a parent make it home to them.
1I definitely got sad in the face when I saw her reaction. It was sweet. At the same time a lot of children have parents in the army or have lost parents in the army so one kids father walking in to surprise their child could ruin another kids day. At the least they should call the child to the office.
2I think this is wonderful! I'm not sure about posting it publicly, but being able to give a child, or any person, a truly happy surprise such as this is great! It sure beats the alternative of having someone call you to the office or send you home to learn that your loved one won't be returning home! I know of too many people who have military family and have been expecting them home within a week, but then at the last moment something goes wrong and they don't come home.
3Come on, folks! It's not exploiting at all and if another child in the class just lost a parent in the service then they are going to face A LOT of very tough times, missing mom or dad. What's wrong with our culture that we're afraid to enjoy something so happy for fear of making someone else feel bad? It's life! And it's meant to be enjoying. Aside from how happy the child is to see her dad, think about how happy her dad is to see his daughter! For a parent to be away from their little one(s) for so long is extremely difficult... why hold off surprising the kid or hide being happy?? I hope we hear of many more happy homecomings. God bless those serving for us at home and abroad!!
4This is so sweet. When my husband was off to war, I always fantasized him surprising me, by coming home early. I don't think it's exploiting.
5My uncle surprised my cousin in his class during the first Iraq war and it is one of his, and our families, favorite memories.
6It's not exploiting at ALL! As a military wife whose husband is leaving constantly, it's nice to see the word getting out there that these soldiers are real people with real families. So glad her Dad made it home
7I dont understand how this could be exploiting....I think its wonderful! This just made that little girls day (life for that matter) and I think its special for her because its something she will always remember!! I agree with Joanna that we cant not celebrate our own triumphs just because we dont want to hurt someone elses feelings. We would never be celebrating anything then!
8I think it's wonderful that they have this moment and that we can all see and feel just a bit of that emotion. This is something she will have forever thanks to technology. Sometimes feelings or memories fade and that can't happen here. The look on her face brought tears to my eyes.
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