Marine Surprises Nieces And Nephews
As students began to eat their lunches in the cafeteria at Madison Elementary School in Warsaw Wednesday, four Madison students received a heartwarming surprise that left the entire cafeteria applauding.
When Ryan Connors, 21, Private 1st Class in the U.S. Marines returned from base camp earlier than expected Tuesday, he began formulating a plan to surprise all six of his nieces and nephews who attend Madison Elementary. Instead of telling the kids he had arrived home early, Connors decided to show up at their school during the lunch hour to surprise them.
Connors said he knew that the surprise would impact his 11-year-old niece Destiny, the oldest of the children, the most as the two have a special bond. Connors confessed that his 12-week absence for boot camp had been hardest on her.
When asked how she felt when she saw her uncle walk through the cafeteria doors, Destiny stated, “I cried. I was so happy.”
Though the reunion was emotional for the children, Connors said it was emotionally meaningful to him as well. “This means a lot to me actually,” he explained. “It feels good because I am setting a good example for them. I want them to know that if there is something you want to accomplish, go for it – anything is possible.”
The reunion between Connors and his close-knit family will be brief as he will depart early on Tuesday to continue his training. Connors said as he has no time off, he could potentially leave straight from his training to the fleet once his training is finished.
“I’m going to go see my grandparents and my family is having a party for me,” he said of his plans while back home. “It’s really important to me that I make the most of this time with my family.”