Teen's heart sank when asked about deployed dad at graduation — then he turned around and froze in shock
Special moments like a graduation are crucial milestones for young adults. Marking the beginning of a new chapter in a grand and commendable way, they hope to have their loved ones by their side. David Randy Castillo, a graduate from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, Texas, also expected to see his dad David Castillo watch him proudly as he earned his degree, per PEOPLE. But the boy knew that his dad would be away on duty on the day of his graduation. His heart sank that his dad wouldn’t make it, but he was met with a grand, heart-melting surprise on his big day.
The dad, in the Navy, was posted on duty on the day of his son’s graduation, but he soon got word that he might be able to make it in time on the big day, per ABC News. When he got the news, the dad decided to keep it a secret and watch his son’s raw reaction unfold. He first met with his younger son, Joshua, who was equally stoked to see his dad. They shared a big hug before the dad revealed his plan to surprise Randy. A video by the San Antonio Independent School District (ISD) on Facebook revealed the dad surprising his son. The school was in on the plan and interviewed the dad before the big surprise.
“I’m here to surprise my son, I’m just glad to be here and support my son,” the dad proudly said. One of the school personnel conducted an interview and asked Randy some questions. He then asked him how he felt about his dad not being around. The young man, in his gown, ready to face his big day, replied, “Sadly, he’s not here. He’s in the Navy,” he said. The student was a bit upset, and one could see the smile disappear from his face for a moment as his dad's absence struck him. The interviewer then asked Randy to turn around.
As soon as he did, he saw his dad standing proudly, with the widest smile, in his uniform. Randy gasped, covered his mouth in disbelief and immediately burst into tears. “Get out your tissues. We couldn’t hold back our tears when our Brackenridge High School graduate was surprised by his dad, who came home from his Navy post in the South China Sea to watch him walk the stage,” the caption revealed. The dad-son duo immediately shared a tight, long hug. As tears flowed uncontrollably down Randy’s face, David kept speaking something in an inaudible dialogue to his son. The day didn’t feel the same anymore, it got more precious and special.
Right near the stage, in the presence of all the students’ cheers loudly echoing for Randy, he kept hugging his dad and crying. When asked how he was feeling, he tried to hold back tears and said, “I’m beyond happy right now.” However, he immediately began sobbing out of pure joy and his dad was right there, comforting and assuring him. People were awestruck by the dad’s gesture. Salazar Lupe said, “I bet this young man will never forget this.” Beatrice Marin wrote, “These are the sacrifices we don’t see military families live every day!”