A father and daughter reunion brought tears and joy at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres when Sergeant Tony Bryand surprised his stepdaughter Jenalia during a Christmas musical performance after serving ten months in Kuwait.
We all know the feeling of missing someone we love, but military families face this challenge every day. They count the days, weeks, and months until they can hold their loved ones again.
Each morning they wake up hoping for good news, and each night they pray for their family member’s safe return. For Sergeant Tony Bryand and his stepdaughter Jenalia, that blessed moment arrived during a Christmas musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
The surprise unfolded on a Saturday evening as hundreds gathered to watch the musical ‘White Christmas.’ Nine year old Jenalia Valerio took the stage, playing the role of Susan Waverly.
Jenalia thought she would present flowers to the show’s emcee Nancy Nelson as part of the pre show announcement. Instead, she became part of a moment her family will treasure forever.
“Me and her have had a really good bond since I’ve came into her life,” Sergeant Bryand said, his voice breaking with emotion. The separation had taken its toll on both of them. “Me being gone is a big change, really hard on her,” he shared. “Hard on me.”
The evening’s events moved forward as planned. Jenalia walked onto the stage and spoke her lines to Nancy Nelson: “On behalf of the theater, Nancy, we would all like to thank you for all you do!”
Nelson played her part perfectly, responding, “You should have them, and I know someone who wants to give them to you, darling. Turn around!”
What happened next brought the entire theatre to their feet. Jenalia turned to find her stepfather standing there in his military uniform. She ran straight into his arms as the audience burst into applause.
Their embrace spoke volumes about the love between a father and daughter separated by military service.
The reunion meant even more because Sergeant Bryand had never seen Jenalia perform in this show before. He sat in the audience that night, watching his little girl shine on stage. “Gonna give her a memory, gonna give us a memory that we’ll never forget,” he said.
The timing of their reunion during the Christmas season added special meaning to their story. While Jenalia performed in ‘White Christmas,’ she received the best Christmas gift she could ask for her father home safe and sound.
The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres later shared this touching moment on social media, calling it “a beautiful surprise” on their stage.
This story shows us how much our military families sacrifice and how precious their reunions become.
Let’s keep our service members and their waiting families in our prayers, asking God to protect those who serve and comfort those who wait for their return.
WATCH: Military Dad Surprises Stepdaughter Onstage in Emotional Reunion
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Video not working?