There’s nothing like a grandparent seeing one of their beloved grandkids that they haven’t visited with in a long time. The time spent with one another is like no other – an unbreakable bond.
The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for everyone, particularly for families that were unable to see each other due to geographic travel constraints.
That was the case for devoted mom, Erica Lusher.
Heartwarming Surprise
Lusher lives in Owensboro, Kentucky and her parents in Port Orange, Florida. The pandemic meant that it had been over a year since Lusher and her son, Ayden, had been able to visit his grandparents. But instead of letting her parents know they were planning a visit, they prepared a heartwarming surprise!
Although the grandparents had been video chatting through the pandemic, nothing compares to spending time in person.
As soon as Lusher and her parents were fully vaccinated, they had the all-clear to travel freely. And that was when Lusher and her son secretly made the 800-mile trip to Florida from Kentucky.
The Emotional Bonds of Family
Lusher knew where her parents would be dining that evening and with her camera in hand, she recorded the tearful moment that will remain a wonderful memory for the rest of their lives.
It was Lusher's mom who first noticed the surprise duo coming over to their table, her eyes filling with happy tears, and a look of shock!
When Ayden’s grandpa noticed her expression, he also saw his grandson beaming and coming his way! His eyes also filled with tears, and he held out his arms for the excited little boy to join him in a loving hug. Amidst the embrace, the emotional grandpa cried, "Hey buddy!"
Lusher's dad looked his grandson over to see how much he had grown and take the moment in. And of course, more hugs ensued!
Lusher captured the heartwarming moment and shared it on TikTok. It quickly went viral and amassed over 135,000 likes and thousands of thoughtful comments. And needless to say, a lot of happy tears from all of us also taking in their surprise!
Now that was a hug worth waiting for!
Two of Mr. Moriarty's students pose with their yearbook from 1982.WHAM via CNN / Video
man holding a yearbookWHAM via CNN / Video
Black and white photos from school yearbookWHAM via CNN / Video
Patrick Moriarty (center, blue shirt) and a group of his former students watched the solar eclipse together on Monday in New York.Caitlin Moriarty Hynick
