This is the raw moment a soldier who’d never missed any of his kids’ senior nights surprised his daughter from inside her school mascot’s costume after returning home.
Herbert Lorfils, a lieutenant colonel (R) with the U.S. Army, hadn’t seen his daughter, Antoinette, for close to eight months before the surprise at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland.
Antoinette and her siblings have a deep understanding of the demands of military life, with both their parents serving, and both being deployed for long periods throughout her childhood.
Still, Herbert said he would have been extremely disappointed to miss his daughter’s big night, and was granted approval to return home from the Middle East.
READ MORE: Soldier Dad Disguises Himself as School Mascot to Surprise Son
He then liaised with wife Leslie and Antoniette’s school about how best to plan a big surprise for his cheerleader daughter after 10 months apart.
On the night of the surprise, each cheerleader walked around the running track with their families – before Antoinette and her family were approached by the school’s mascot, who gave her arm a pull.
The 17-year-old didn’t know how to react – but then, the mascot removed its head to reveal a smiling Herbert, leaving Antoinette to cover her face in shock before bursting into tears of happiness.
He said: “As a dad, it gave me so much joy to see the happiness on my daughter‘s face and to be able to actually embrace her on her big night.
Want more good news? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter - Smileworthy. It's a weekly 5-minute read packed with uplifting stories, positive news and tips for living life more Happily. Oh, and it's free! https://smileworthy.beehiiv.com/subscribe
“I’m grateful to my unit for allowing me to come home to celebrate with her during that time.
“It showed compassion and empathy from our leaders, never to be forgotten.”
Wife Leslie added: “As her mom, it was critically important to try to make this happen for our daughter.
“Our family’s journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and unity.
READ MORE: Army Vet Surprised by Military Brother After 10 Years Apart
“As a dual-military couple, we’ve faced challenges that could have broken us – but instead, they built us.
“Through deployments, distance, and countless transitions, we’ve learned that faith keeps us grounded, love keeps us connected, and grace keeps us going.
“We’re not perfect, but we are perfectly purposed for one another.”
