Girl Surprised By Navy Uncle She Thought Was Away ‘Fighting Pirates’ For Two Years

A girl who thought her sailor uncle was “fighting pirates” couldn’t believe her eyes when he showed up in her classroom after nearly two years apart to surprise her on her birthday.

Seven-year-old Athena, from Bemidji, Minnesota, has a close relationship with her uncle Joseph “Joey” Braam, 24, a gunner’s mate with the United States Navy.

After Joey joined the military, it was tough on Athena, as she only got to see her uncle at Christmas, as he was originally stationed in San Diego.

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But when Joey’s ship’s home port was shifted to Yokosuka, Japan, Athena was told her uncle was “away fighting pirates” and that he might be gone for some time.

The pirate story was the easiest way for Athena to be comfortable with her uncle’s long absence, Joey’s mom, Hansja, said, and in total he was away for nearly two years.

Athena missed Joey terribly, Hansja added, and so when he discovered he would be returning home around her birthday, the family knew they had to plan a big surprise.

On May 15, Athena sat in her classroom at Horace May Elementary School, in Bemidji, wearing a birthday cake-shaped hat to celebrate her big day.

Then, the seven-year-old felt a tap on her back, which caused her to turn around and double-take.

Athena initially didn’t recognize the man standing in military attire above her, but when everything clicked, she jumped into her uncle’s arms for an emotional hug.

Hansja, who captured the moment on video, said: “You can see the confusion in her face as she looks at him then back at her teacher.

“I then called her name and said, ‘Athena, it’s Joey.’

“At that point she said, ‘Joey’ and immediately stood up so he could pick her up.

“Once she was in his arms, she was overwhelmed with emotion and started crying.

“If you look at Joey’s face when he picks her up, he closes his eyes to savor the moment.

“Everything was suddenly perfect.

“If anyone was to ask Athena what her favorite birthday present ever was, she either points at or says ‘Joey.’