Max Pride’s Christmas this year was going to be his first away from home — until he planned a surprise return for his family Saturday night.
His parents Amy and Chip Pride both said that Max had not been home since Memorial Day, when he was sent to his station in Pensacola, Florida. They had kept in communication as much as possible over the last 6 months, but Amy said visits using technology don’t compare to seeing her son in person.
Max planned the home visit by working out the details with a family friend. They agreed to meet at the friend’s house before Max would surprise his family.
“He wanted to surprise us and I guess he thought that was the best present; and it was,” Amy said joyfully.
Both Chip and Amy said they had strong reactions to seeing Max, as with the rest of the family.
“We had to prepare ourselves for the emotion of the holidays and not having somebody here that has been here every year. So I was just blown away to see him and my wife’s reaction and everybody there,” Chip said.
Max said that coming home Saturday was worth “every moment” when he saw the reactions.
“It really makes me it makes me appreciate what I’m doing, getting that reaction coming home like that. It was really special. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with everybody,” he said.
Max will be in town for 1 week before heading back to Pensacola. Amy said while it’s a surreal time for everyone, she is cherishing every moment with her son.
Amy stressed how blessed she felt that Max was able to make the trip to Owensboro, knowing several families are not as fortunate.
“We have several families and I know it’s hard on them and I pray for them. I know that it’s hard on them to not have their child home,” she said. “So I’m feeling a sense of peace and very blessed because we are given this opportunity to see him this time because next year it may not be this. So I’m cherishing every moment.”
