Every time a member of the military leaves for a tour of duty, their family suffers. When military members are sent abroad, they must say their last goodbyes to their loved ones. Knowing that the family may never be together again is a difficult situation to comprehend.

While on duty, they must cope with life-and-death circumstances while battling and straining to return home to see their loved ones. And those who are left behind do not have it any easier. They must face all of life’s difficulties alone, without the support of a loved one nearby.

While contemporary technologies such as video calls have made it much simpler for families to keep connected while their loved ones are serving in the military abroad, it is still fairly difficult. The same may be said about Lt. Michael Lemmons of the United States Navy.

Lemmons’ wife gave birth to their son while he was away. However, Lemmons was not alone. He was on the ship alongside twenty-seven other crew members, all of whom had missed the birth of their children. They were excited to be freed so they could visit their families and greet the new member of their brood.

Watch how Lemmons’ eyes light up as he finds his wife waiting for him on the pier in this touching video. He hurries over to see her and his newborn kid as soon as he spots her amid the throng.

She was holding their baby son. He was little, charming, and amazing. But before Lemmons could hold back his tears, he said, “He’s perfect.” Thank you very much.”

Because he was not at home with her throughout her labor, he wanted to express his appreciation to his wife for holding down the fort at home. He realizes how difficult it is to raise a family on one’s own.