A nurse at a Texas hospital got a great Christmas gift Thursday when her son, who recently enlisted in the Air Force, came home for a surprise visit, WFAA reported.

>> Read more trending news

Matthew Melton, 19, is stationed in Montana. He came home for the holidays and surprised his mother at the Baylor Scott & White hospital in Dallas, the television station reported.

That put a positive end to a difficult year for Teresa Melton-Strader, who lost her father to a stroke in 2015 and then lost her husband the following year to cancer, WFAA reported.

In April 2017, a tornado ripped through her home and destroyed it.

Matthew Strader was Melton-Strader’s source of strength, and she was pleased when he joined the military.

"It's something that he's wanted to do all his life," Melton-Strader told WFAA. "Still, it's a big change having your child leave home and then the next thing you know their parents are the U.S. military."

When her supervisor called a “staff meeting,” Melton-Strader was led to the lobby, where her son surprised her.

“Hi Mom!” he said.

Stunned, Melton-Strader covered her mouth with both hands.

“Are you really here?!” she said, while hugging her son.

About the Author

Featured

The Midtown Atlanta skyline is shown in the background as an employee works in Cargill's new office, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta.  (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com