The saying goes that “separation makes the heart grow fonder,” but we don’t know if anyone can truly appreciate how difficult separation from loved ones can be more than a military family.

In all branches of the military, husbands, wives and children are separated for months or even years at a time when the spouse in the military is deployed. This can be extremely difficult, but thanks to modern technology, families find ways to stay in touch whenever possible.

Pictures, video chats and phone calls aren’t nearly the same as being together as a family though, so families eagerly look forward to when they will once again be reunited.

There probably isn’t anything harder than a husband and wife being separated when they’re expecting a baby. Navy Lt. Michael Lemmons was deployed for 8 months on the USS John C. Stennis. During this time, his wife Holly gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

Lt. Lemmons was far from the only dad on board, and he wasn’t even unique in being away from his wife during most of her pregnancy. In fact, there were 27 dads on board who returned home to meet their newborn babies for the very first time.

What sets Lt. Lemmons apart is his reaction to meeting his baby for the very first time. With the baby cradled in his arms, he turned to his wife and said, “He’s perfect. He’s absolutely perfect. Thank you.”

We don’t know how common it is for a husband to thank his wife for his perfect baby, but we can’t think of a sweeter thing for a new dad to say. However, it gets even better.

If you have children, you know how difficult it is to have a new baby in the house – the long, sleepless nights, around the clock feedings, endless dirty diapers, the list goes on. Lt. Lemmons definitely understands this since this was the couple’s third child.

While Lt. Lemmons was super sweet for thanking his wife, he also had an idea of something super sweet he could do. Instead of spending his time at home relaxing after months at sea, he had a different plan. He planned to stay up all night with the baby to give his wife a break.

Both in word and deed, he proves that he know what it means to be a great husband. Holly is one lucky woman.

Watch the video below to see this touching moment for yourself.

If you’re married, have you ever been separated from your spouse for a long period of time?