During Brenau University’s 2015 commencement, Debra Cooper anxiously waited among the graduating class to receive a diploma for a Master of Occupational Therapy degree, but she was about to get way more than that!
As the university President Ed Schrader gave his welcoming remarks at the ceremony, he gave a special thank you to all the veterans. He gave a special shout out to Cooper, who served in the U.S. Army, and her daughter, Staff Sgt. Markita James, who was currently serving in Afghanistan. Little did Cooper know that her daughter had planned actually planned a surprise homecoming!
“Actually, Sgt. James is not in Afghanistan,” Schrader said. “She is here so that she could be with her mother at graduation.”
Cooper suddenly got the hint and turned around to find her daughter, who was standing in the audience behind her. She frantically looked around, but when their eyes met, Cooper’s jaw dropped. She jumped up and ran to her daughter.
“Oh my God. Oh, my God. Oh my God,” Cooper gasped.
The two embraced, and tears and hugs were shared in a moment that was nothing short of magical.
The beautiful and heartwarming moment when they embrace is so awesome. It’s the picture-perfect YouTube moment.
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