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BOISE, Idaho — Homecomings at airports are usually emotionally charged events for all those involved. Whether it's a military homecoming, or for those who are LDS, when sons or daughters return home from missions, the first moment when they walk through the terminal door is heartwarming.
Last week, a dad made his son's homecoming extra special when he showed up at the airport 140 pounds lighter, and the moment was captured on camera by a local news crew.
Ty Higley returned home after spending two years in Brazil and had no idea his dad had lost weight, KTVB.com reports. When Ty first appears, he heads straight to his mom while his dad, Duane, hangs out on the side. Ty went to hug his grandparents next, and kept going around the circle of friends and family, all the while not noticing his dad, who was standing behind him the whole time.
When Ty finally realizes Duane is there, he stops and stands back speechless in disbelief. Duane grabs him and they share an emotional hug.
LDS missionary policy allows missionaries to video conference with their families twice a year, and those familiar with the policy may be wondering why Ty didn't notice his dad's appearance.
“He wrote us after Christmas, because you know, he can Skype twice a year, and he asked, at Christmas, he said in his letter, 'Man you guys must have been really cold because you were all bundled up,' because I had a bunch of sweatshirts on and (my grandson) was sitting on my lap so he couldn't tell," Duane told KTVB. "And Mother's Day, I told him I was in a meeting, but really I was there and just didn't sit in front of the camera.”
Duane said he used his son's workout videos to lose the weight.
Watch the video below and visit KTVB.com for more pictures.
