Christmas reunion: Army dad surprises daughters at school
Dec 20, 2024, 6:59 PM | Updated: 7:12 pm
CLINTON — After nearly a year away from home, a Utah Army dad surprised his two daughters on their last day of school before the holidays.
U.S. Army Private First Class Roberto Lassalle hadn’t seen his family in more than eight months, having been in Ft. Jackson in South Carolina and, more recently, Georgia, for training.
“The sacrifices are hard,” Lassalle said. “I’m not doing it only for me. It’s for my family.”
Roberto Lassalle and Daileen Roman speaking about the sunrise they hid from their daughters. (KSL TV)
On Friday, he surprised his two daughters at Clinton Elementary School, who weren’t expecting their dad home for Christmas. Daimarelis, 10, embraced her dad in the hallway. Then, they walked into 5-year-old Adelly’s classroom for a joyful reunion.
“It’s hard to be away, even knowing that you are doing it for a greater good or provide something better for them. It’s always good to be back on their side,” Lassalle said. “It’s always good to find a way to put a smile on their face and make your family happy.”
Roberto Lassalle surprising his 5-year-old daughter in class before giving her a hug. (KSL TV)
It wasn’t easy keeping the surprise visit a secret, but it was well worth it.
“I want to cry,” said Daileen Roman, mother of the two kids. “I’m so excited.”
Now that the family is back together, they plan to take advantage of every minute. The family is thrilled to have two weeks with their husband and father until he has to return.
“All the time that I can spend with them, I will do it,” Lassalle said.
