Walking for the first time into returning marine's arms

May 12, 2012

When marine Staff Sgt. Jeremy Cooney returned home from Aghanistan, he was welcomed home by his wife and children at a local gymnasium.

His 6 year old son, Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy, was waiting form him just 15 yards away, standing on his own.

As Jeremy knelt down, Michael began taking step by step until he ended up into his father's arms.  Before Jeremy left, he was unable to walk. Doctors told him and his wife that he probably never would on his own.

While deployed in Afghanistan, Michael started learning, day by day.  He defied all the odds and was able to stand up straight and take steps all on his own.  His wife kept it a secret from Jeremy, wanting to surprise him when he returned home. She told all of her friends to make sure they did not post pictures or anything on facebook where the surprise could be spoiled.

"I can’t describe it," Jeremy said of the reunion. "It was years in the making just trying to get him limited mobility with surgery and a walker. It's probably one of the happiest moments of my life."

Watch the heartwarming video here.