Few things are as challenging as having a loved one deployed overseas. The world is a dangerous place, and even if it weren’t, it’s still difficult to be apart from your mother, father, husband, wife, brother or sister for too long.

Not only do deployed soldiers put their lives on the line, but they miss holidays, birthdays, and other milestones with their family for the sake of service.

Sometimes, they miss huge life events – like, say, the birth of their first son. That was the case for Sergeant Timothy Lowery, whose wife gave birth to their third child and first son while he was serving in Afghanistan. Heartbreaking, we know!

But the wonderful moment when Timothy Sr. got to meet Timothy Jr. almost makes up for their time apart.

Hundreds of family members were gathered at a local gymnasium of some kind, waiting for the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the Alabama National Guard to return home. Tha was when the dreams of both Timothy Sr. and mom Suzanne come true.

LOCAL 15 has the heartwarming story and firsthand footage of the moment this soldier dad lays eyes on his first baby boy.