Emotional Moment a 70-Year-Old Father Jumps over Porch Fence to Embrace His Military Son

It had been two years since he had seen his military son, so when this father spotted his child, he leaped over the fence to hug him. The heartwarming encounter left many in tears.

This year a video of a father and son embracing went viral. Decatur-Conehatta, Mississippi, resident Charles Huddleston was sitting on his porch when his son Jarius Huddleston, 21, started to approach him.

Once Jarius reached the fence and motioned toward his dad, the 70-year-old finally realized that his son had come home. The young man returned from the military to surprise his dad for Father's day and his birthday.

FATHER WAS OVERCOME WITH EMOTION

All Charles wanted for his birthday was someone to go fishing with, and his son made that dream come true. In the video, the dad pauses for a moment as he recognizes his son. Then he jumps to his feet and makes his way toward Jarius.

The father is overcome with emotion and doesn't walk around the fence or use a gate. He simply jumped over it. As the two collide in a big embrace, the joy of their reunion is clear to see.

THE SURPRISE REUNION

In the background, other members of the family can also be heard screaming with happiness. Jarius and Charles share a close bond, and the pair spoke on the phone every day while he was away.

Based with the Army in Fort Lewis, Washington, Jarius had been unable to come home partly because of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, he was finally able to make the journey home and surprise his dad.

THE ONLINE REACTION

The special reunion sparked a massive reaction online, with parents sharing similar experiences. One netizen wrote:

"Oh my gosh that made me cry! My son is in the Air Force so I don't get to see him very often so I know how dad is feeling."

Others commended the "wonderful family," and a user expressed: "Absolutely so genuine and beautiful. A wonderful and amazing father who could jump that fence at 70. Awesome feat."

PRAISE FOR THE FATHER

Others complimented the father and stated that he didn't look his age. One person said:

"Hats off to the dad at 70. How many 70-year-olds could jump over the fence like that?"

Users were glad this heartwarming embrace between a son and father was captured and shared so that others could also experience the reunion.

A GREAT FEELING

Fellow men and women who also served in the Army expressed how their homecomings felt. A commenter added: "Thank you for your service. I knew how I felt coming home on leave from the military and seeing my dad and mom. What a great feeling."

There is no doubt that seeing his son for the first time in two years also left Charles feeling great. Their sweet embrace led many to highlight the blessing of having a close-knit family relationship.