logo
youtube.com/USA TODAY
youtube.com/USA TODAY

Military Father Cannot Stop Crying as He Reunites with His Three Children after 7 Months Apart

Dayna Remus
Oct 15, 2021
12:00 P.M.

A lot of emotions and teary eyes engulfed a loving family as they all held each other tightly, never wanting to let go of one another ever again.

Advertisement

In 2015, a yellow ribbon was tied around a tree, just waiting for a military father, Chief Robert Massard of the U.S. Navy. This tradition is specific to Inlet Elementary in Clay County in Florida.

They tie a yellow ribbon around a tree with the individual's name on it, only to be cut when they return. The Chief's children had been waiting for months, hoping to see their dad slice the ribbon sooner rather than later.

Chief Robert Massard and his 10-year-old son Ryan hugging and sharing an emotional moment together. | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

Chief Robert Massard and his 10-year-old son Ryan hugging and sharing an emotional moment together. | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

Seven months into their father's service, the military man's three children, two of which were the then-10-year-old Ryan and his little sister, 6-year-old Skylar, were in for a big surprise. The young boy was told to get a book from the library at school but was not expecting what was about to happen.

Advertisement

The little one was in tears.

Unbeknownst to him, this was simply a ruse to get him into a specific school area so that his teachers and classmates could surprise him. Walking around the corner, his schoolmates were all smiling and waiting for him to spot the man he hadn't seen for ages.

A yellow ribbon tied around a tree. | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

A yellow ribbon tied around a tree. | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

Suddenly, the 10-year-old caught sight of his dad and bolted right into his arms, giving him the tightest hug while in heartfelt tears. Chief Massard also began to tear up, expressing:

Advertisement

“We’re good, you got me crying and I can’t do that.”

The crowd applauded as the two kept holding onto each other. Then, in another beautiful moment, little Skylar was on her way, ready for the most beautiful shock of her life too.

Schoolmates waiting to surprise Ryan and Skylar.  | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

Schoolmates waiting to surprise Ryan and Skylar. | Source: youtube.com/USA TODAY

Once the 6-year-old realized who was standing across from her, she ran into her daddy's arms. The little one was in tears as the dad told her he would not be leaving again.

Advertisement

Then, in the cutest of moments, the youngest daughter, who could not go to school due to her age, snuck up behind her dad and older sister with a sweet smile and hugged both of them.

The naval officer said he expected many emotions from seeing his children for the first time in just over half a year. Massard expressed:

"I knew when I saw them cry, I would cry too. This has been a wonderful experience here and I thank everyone who took part in this."

To more clapping, Ryan cut the yellow ribbon off the tree, signifying the end of a journey. At the time, it was stated that this father would not be going away again for at least three years. Let's hope if he did take on another mission that he spent all the precious moments possible with his children.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts
Lindsey Graham | Source: Getty Images

He Never Married, but Lindsey Graham Sacrificed Everything for One of the Two Most Important Women in His Life

July 13, 2026

Catherine, Princess of Wales | Source: Getty Images

Princess of Wales Arrives at Wimbledon in a Blue Gabriela Hearst Suit — but It's What She Did Before Entering the Club That Has People Talking — Photos

July 03, 2026

Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images

Trump Catches Toddler Before He Falls Off Stage — Then the Boy Says Something Unexpected — Video

August 06, 2026

JD and Usha Vance | Source: Getty Images

Trump Shares First Photo of JD and Usha Vance's Newborn Son, Calling Him a 'Perfect Baby Boy' — Photos

July 21, 2026

Lindsey Graham and Darline Graham Nordone | Source: Getty Images

Lindsey Graham's Sister Breaks Her Silence, Trump Recalls His 'One Bad Moment,' and His Estate Raises New Questions

July 14, 2026

Adriana Coleman's children | Source: Facebook/adriana.simmons.180

What Started as a Flat Tire Ended in an Unimaginable Family Tragedy That Claimed Four Young Siblings and Their Grandmother

July 20, 2026

Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images

Stars Who Showed Up to Donald Trump's UFC Birthday Night at the White House — and the A-Listers Who Quietly Said No — Photos

June 16, 2026

Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn. | Source: Getty Images

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell's Twin Daughters Make a Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Dad – and Fans Say They Look Just Like Their Parents – Photos

July 03, 2026

Charles Bronson with loved ones. | Source: Getty Images

Inside Actor Charles Bronson's Family Life: His Kids and What Happened to His Former Home – Details

August 07, 2026

Jorge Messi | Source: Getty Images

Jorge Messi, the Man Behind Lionel's Rise to Greatness, Dies at 68 in His Hometown in Argentina

August 09, 2026

Kelly Osbourne | Source: Getty Images

Kelly Osbourne Posts Cryptic Messages on Instagram Days After Ex Sid Wilson's Slipknot Firing — What She's Asking For Will Surprise You

August 04, 2026