A first-generation immigrant dad was transported back to “being a kid again” when his children surprised him with a LEGO Formula 1 car that he could only have dreamed of growing up.
Jesus Cervantes, 59, from Seaside, California, said that like many who moved to the U.S., his childhood was “filled with hardship,” and though he was happy to have the essentials, he never had toys as a youngster.
In adult life, one of Jesus’ hobbies is getting up early to watch Formula 1 with his son, Junior, and his daughter, Jessica.
About a year ago, Jesus’s other daughter, Angelee, 27, watched her dad walk past a LEGO Formula 1 car, and, deep down, she knew her father really wanted it.
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Jesus never asked, but leading up to his birthday this year, Angelee and Jessica decided it would be the perfect gift to surprise their father with.
On June 12, after presenting Jesus with a cake and singing “Happy Birthday,” the family then gifted him the giant LEGO car.
Having opened the present, Jesus could be seen smiling from ear to ear, sitting at the table and tapping the box with his hands, taking everything in.
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The wholesome moment was captured on video by Angelee, who later shared the clip on social media, where Jesus received an outpouring of love.
Since then, Angelee has shared update videos of her father’s progress in completing the car.
Speaking of the surprise, she said: “Every year, we try to surprise my dad with something meaningful.
“My siblings and I know that with these surprises, especially things like the LEGO set, we’re helping heal a piece of his childhood that he never got to fully enjoy.
“It’s those thoughtful moments that show how much we appreciate him and want to make him feel special.
“Moments like that—and this LEGO surprise—mean a lot to all of us.”
Jesus added: “My childhood, like many of us who came to this country, was full of hardship.
“Even though I was happy and had the essentials, I didn’t have toys.
“Maybe that’s why receiving them now brings me so much nostalgia.”
