A Kentucky toddler’s delighted shrieks filled her home when she discovered her soldier father hiding under bedroom blankets after months apart during his first military deployment.
Two-year-old Charleigh Mershon had no idea her father Chase, 35, had driven through the night from his Midwest base to surprise her. The U.S. Army soldier had been stationed away from their Clarksville-Hopkinsville area home since early July, missing birthdays, holidays, and countless bedtime stories.
The separation weighs heavily on military families like the Mershons, who made the difficult decision to live apart when Chase received his first duty assignment in another state. With Rachael’s job providing their main income and relocation financially impossible, mother and daughter remained in Kentucky while Chase served elsewhere.
“I don’t think people outside of the military community truly understand the sacrifices that every family member makes,” Rachael, 30, said. “His commitment to our country means missing out on significant parts of our lives – and it means our daughter missing out on having her daddy here every day.”
Chase first surprised his wife by calling to say he was making the long drive home. And after arriving early that morning, the couple plotted the perfect wake-up surprise for their daughter.
“I went to her room and told her she had a surprise waiting in Mommy and Daddy’s room,” Rachael recalled. “I had no idea Chase was going to hide under the covers, but it made it even more fun!”
When Charleigh cautiously approached the mysterious bump beneath the blankets and pulled back the covers, her father leaped from the bed. The toddler’s reaction was pure joy.
“When he popped out, she screamed, ran and hugged me, and then ran straight to him and hugged him saying she got her surprise,” Rachael said.
The precious reunion, captured on Rachael’s phone, has become a treasured keepsake for a family that has endured a challenging year. Since Chase joined the military in 2024, the family has weathered long separations during his training, seeing him only twice before his deployment.
And the video’s impact reaches much further beyond just their household. Friends, family, and strangers online have all responded with an outpouring of support, with many moved to tears by the pure happiness of the moment you see on Charleigh’s face.
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“The response has been overwhelming in the best way,” Rachael said. “Friends and family were emotional – many said they cried watching it because they know how hard it’s been being apart. I think so many people, especially in the military community, understand that joy when you finally see someone you’ve missed so much.”
Though Chase could only stay for a few days before returning to his duties, the weekend gave the family precious memories to sustain them through their continued separation. And for Rachael, the video serves as both comfort and reminder.
“I still cry every time I watch the video,” she admitted. “After Chase returned a few days later, I kept rewatching it – it’s such a pure, happy moment for all of us.”
Rachel reflected: “I hope this video reminds others that it’s okay to make tough choices for your family.
“We’ve chosen this path to build a better future together. Every moment we share is precious, and I hope it encourages others to cherish the little moments with their loved ones too because every single moment truly matters.”
