A daughter who 15 years ago promised her dad she’d one day buy him his dream truck surprised him with a toy version – before he stepped outside to find the real thing waiting for him.
Annelis Petit, 33, from Austin, Texas, shares a close relationship with her father, Alejandro Hernandez, 63, who lives in Katy, Texas.
Fifteen years ago, in her teens, she made a vow that when she “made it” in life, she would buy him his dream truck – though, at the time, admitted she had no idea how she would make the dream a reality.
Still, Annelis said she carried the truck surprise with her into working life, as she was always aware of how many sacrifices Alejandro made when he moved from his native Venezuela to the United State to provide his children with opportunities he’d never had.
Having recently been given a raise at work, Annelis told herself it was “now or never” to make her truck surprise dream work – and so she and her husband sourced a vehicle, arranged for delivery and kept everything a secret from her dad.
On July 24, the day of the surprise, Annelis asked her father if he could come over to babysit her daughters, saying she had a very important work dinner to attend.
Alejandro didn’t hesitate, but when his daughter then surprised him with a small toy truck in her Texas home, the 63-year-old began to wonder what was up.
He was then encouraged to head outside, where an emotional Alejandro discovered a Ford F150 and was told it was his, which brought him to hug his daughter and son-in-law.
Fighting back tears, Alejandro then took a moment to take everything in, before getting into his new ride for the first time.
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Annelis said: “My father left behind his parents and family in Venezuela to give us a better life in the United States.
“He worked tirelessly, every single day, to make sure my brothers and I had opportunities he never had.
“One of his proudest achievements was providing us with a home in Katy, Texas, where we grew up in one of the best school districts in the nation, Katy ISD.
“His sacrifices, from leaving loved ones to working without rest, were all so that we could have an education, stability, and a future full of possibilities.
“About 15 years ago, I promised him that one day I would buy him his dream truck.
“At the time, I had no idea how or when I’d be able to do it, but it became a personal goal I carried with me ever since.
“We’ve shared so many memories together, and this promise was a symbol of gratitude for all the sacrifices he’s made for our family.
“In the video, you can see him walking up, completely unaware.
“When I told him the truck was his, there was this pause where it sunk in, and then pure shock and emotion took over.
“It’s hard to put into words.
“I felt overwhelmed with joy, pride, and love. Seeing him so happy and emotional was worth every second of the planning and hard work to get to where I am today.”
