One of the things that we absolutely adore about the Internet is the fact that it allows people to share their most cherished moments with practically anyone in the world. And, while this limitless sense of communication can extend across genres, one of our favorites is without a doubt ‘the surprise reunion video’—the more dramatic, the better!

Take today’s viral clip, for instance. It involves the kinds of people in which we have a serious soft spot—1) a grandma and 2) a member of the armed services. It really doesn’t get much better than that, folks!

The video itself is a bit on the confusing side, but once you get hip to the backstory, it will make more sense. It kicks off with an elderly woman being lead outside of her house.

As it turns out, the lady, 73-year-old Jeanette Menard, was told by her family that there was a large turtle on the driveway, and they wanted her to see it.

We have to say, it’s a curious way to get an old woman outside, but we can’t really judge because it worked! As the woman fixes her eyes on the ground in front of her, searching for the elusive reptile, we hear the voice of her daughter just off-camera saying, “She didn’t see it.”

Quickly, it becomes apparent that there really is no large turtle at all, but Jeanette hasn’t quite caught onto this fact until someone really special approaches her—her beloved grandson, Nathan.

What Nathan’s appearance meant to his grandmother

Now, we know that all grandmothers are always happy to see their grandchildren, but in the case of Jeanette and Nathan, the circumstances are a bit different.

You see, the strapping young man had been away from home for nearly two consecutive years on a post with the Marines in Okinawa. But, instead of letting his grandmother know that he was going to be back in the States, Nathan decided to take a more fruitful approach when it came to planning a reunion. He must have known that his grandma loves surprises!

Nathan enlisted his mother, Marie, to help him pull it all off. She picked him up at the airport at 4 am so that Jeanette wouldn’t catch on to the fact that something fishy might be going on. Once back in his hometown, the plan was crafted and then executed, garnering an absolutely delightful response from the astonished grandmother.

In an interview with Inside Edition, Nathan recalls how Jeanette reacted to his surprise appearance. “She just screamed,” the Marine Corporal says. “She really didn’t say much. She just thanked God.”

It must have been an amazing weight off her chest to know that her beloved grandson was not only safe but finally home.

To see the sly Nathan give his sweet grandmother the surprise of a lifetime, be sure to watch the hysterical video below. Talk about a reaction!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this viral clip. Have you ever surprised a family member after a long time away? If so, how did you do it? Do you know a very special military man or woman that you would like to give a shout out to?