Christmas Comes Early For Two Warsaw KidsChristmas came a little early Tuesday for two Madison Elementary siblings.
Army PFC Johnny Grimmett was not expected to be home from Iraq until late December or early January. Without telling anyone but his wife, Erica, Johnny got back to the states Monday night, staying in Chicago overnight.
Tuesday, he surprised his first-grade daughter Jasmine and third-grade son Jose at Madison.Their teachers, Marlene Byers and Jamie Byron respectively, had their classes get together to share their writing. None of the students were aware of what the secret motivation was for the classes to get together in one room.
Teachers and Principal Jacob Hoag gathered in the classroom to witness the reunion, the students still unaware of the impending surprise.
As the students read and shared their writings, Byron then flashed the classroom lights off and on. She told the students there was a surprise. They were told to sit back and watch to see what came through the door.
When Johnny came in, Jasmine and Jose dashed from their seats across the room and hugged their father tightly. Tears gathered in Johnny's eyes as he held his children closely. Teachers and students made use of tissue.
"I'm in awe," Johnny said moments later. "I haven't seen my kids, so that's all that matters."
Johnny has been in the Army for more than a year, serving in Iraq the past 3-1/2 months. He must go back Dec. 16 for about eight more months, missing Christmas, but he will get to be home for his son Jose's birthday Dec. 11. He said he was disappointed he would miss Jasmine's birthday Jan. 15.
Byron's class has been writing to Johnny since the start of the school year. Monday, they made Christmas cards for him. Byron said she will either give Johnny the cards or mail them to him, depending on how long he would be staying.
After Johnny greeted and hugged his children, the students, teachers and staff welcomed Johnny home and thanked him for his service. Hoag shook his hand in gratitude.
"Obviously, it's an emotional experience for the kids, but it was pretty neat to see. Among all the adults in the room, there was not a dry eye. From the staff and the community, I want to give a heartfelt thank you (to Johnny) for all your sacrifice and service. It's neat to be a part of that and to see the kids' faces," said Hoag later.
Asked how they were feeling, Jose and Jasmine simultaneously said they felt "good."
Johnny said he was here for his two children. While home, he just planned to relax.
After leaving Madison, Johnny still had some surprising to do. None of his family knew he was coming home.
"I had to lie to everyone, but it was worth it," said Erica.
