MOM: So are you going to color with Daddy when he comes home?
Yes.
Yes?
Mm-hmm.
Is that your favorite thing to do?
Mm-hmm.
I like to paint and draw.
MOM: Daddy would love to color with you.
It's the thing that brings her the most happiness
when Daddy's not here.
NARRATOR: Ella's father, Sergeant
Russell Lowe, pictured here, is a truck driver for the Army.
My dad's in Afghanistan.
I want Daddy to come home.
NARRATOR: Ella has sent her father hundreds of paintings,
drawings, and presents.
I send packages.
NARRATOR: Now it's her turn to get a surprise care package--
pretty much the best one ever.
We are going to be putting him in a very large box
and shipping him to the house.
NARRATOR: That's right.
Ella's mom is actually going to gift wrap her husband.
I love this woman.
MOM: Russell's returning from Afghanistan,
and I'm planning on driving down to the airport.
I am very much looking forward to the moment
that I pick him up.
[music playing]
I'm looking forward to seeing his face.
It's just-- it's amazing, just seeing him with my own eyes
for the first time.
He means so much to me.
[whistles, applause]
It feels great to be home.
To see my wife, it's--
I can't explain it.
MOM: It feels absolutely remarkable for him to be home.
If Ella asks, I did not give you the first hug and kiss.
OK.
NARRATOR: Now it's time to focus on Ella's big surprise.
And for Russell, that means cramming himself into a box.
[laughs]
You have wrapping paper and a bow.
MOM: All right.
NARRATOR: Perfect.
What better way for a guy to unwind
after seven months in Afghanistan
than with a little gift wrapping?
You need scissors?
Surprise.
I think we're done.
OK.
A little seat just for you.
Oh, thank you.
The long trip home.
Is this a bad time to say I'm claustrophobic?
[laughs]
OK, you're ready to go.
RUSSELL: All right.
Let's go.
[music playing]
[whirring]
[rattling]
[phone rings]
Hello?
I have someone who wants to talk to you.
Are you ready? - Daddy.
OK, here you go.
Hi, Ella.
It's Daddy.
Hi, Daddy.
Did you get my present yet?
I sent it to you.
You should get it soon.
- Uh-huh. - All right.
I'll call you a little bit later.
Bye.
[rattling]
[doorbell rings]
Hello.
[gasps]
We got a package.
They have a package, Ella.
I'll come with you.
That's very big!
It is huge.
Oh.
Oh, Ella, it's so big.
Ella, lift it up.
Lift it with your hands, Ella.
Ella!
[giggling]
Hey!
Was Daddy in a present for you?
[giggling]
Was that the best gift you ever got?
Yeah?
I missed you.
It feels great to be home.
I love seeing these two.
Group hug.
It's such a special experience.
It'll be one of those memories that she'll just never forget.
It made me really happy to see my daddy jump out of the box.