Every day, military parents forego spending time with their children. These are priceless moments, and one father understands how much they matter to his kids. For years, Chief Warrant Officer James Ring of the United States Army never missed the ‘Father-daughter dance.’
The dance was in peril this time since James’ assignment required him to be active the night of the event. He was assigned to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to protect a defense department official.
Faith and Hope, 11-year-old twins, felt this year would be a bust. Their McKeel Academy dance may be the first one their father misses. It was the last father-daughter dance for the girls at the school.
‘Family comes first. ‘I’ve been in the military and police enforcement for 19 years, and as a result, I’ve missed a lot of family occasions,’ explained the military parent. James requested permission to attend from his commanding officer, which was granted.
‘I feel like a kid,’ James exclaimed as he prepared to surprise them. I haven’t slept in days.’ The girls dressed up for the dance in shimmering blue gowns with their hair done by their mother, Candi.
The girls had resigned to the fact that they wouldn’t see their dad that night. When the girls arrived, James was hiding in uniform behind a bunch of pink and white balloons. Their mom directed them to go in his direction, and as soon as they saw him, they screamed with joy!
They all embraced and cherished the moment. The girls cried tears of joy, and the special night was saved. James knew that it meant the world to his daughters, and he did everything he could to preserve the family tradition.
