Not being able to see someone you love for a long time, especially indefinitely, is incredibly tough… but it does make reuniting all the more special.
Owen and Stevie met several years ago at their elementary school in Chicago. The two became fast friends, and seemingly nothing could separate them.
Unfortunately, their friendship was challenged three years ago when Owen and his family moved all the way to Missouri – about 400 miles away!
Owen and Stevie were determined to maintain their long-distance friendship. Still, it wasn’t easy not being able to see their best friend at school every day, much less for three whole years. It only got tougher for the 11-year-olds once the pandemic hit.
“The separation compounded by COVID has been hard on both boys,” said Stevie’s mom, Diane Stroud.
As if by fate, Owen’s dad was recently scheduled for a business trip in Chicago. Naturally, the two families had to take advantage of this amazing opportunity for a reunion. Instead of simply telling Stevie the great news, they went with the surprise route!
When the big day finally arrived, Stevie was completely clueless. But one thing was certain: It couldn’t have happened at a better time!
Everyone has bad days, and the day that Owen arrived was one of Stevie’s. It was going so badly, in fact, that he had his mom pick him up early. Little did he know that the best pick-me-up ever was waiting for him in the back seat.
Stevie approached his mom’s car nonchalantly with a basketball in his hand. Even as he opened the door, Owen was squatting down, completely hidden. Yet the moment that door opened wide, so did Stevie’s eyes!
“What are you doing here?!” Stevie said before sobbing. “You just made my day. I’ve had the worst day ever. What are you doing here?”
Owen replied, “I’m visiting you in Chicago! That’s what I’m doing here.”
Being the best friend anyone could ever ask for, Owen then gave him a huge hug. He began to comfort Stevie with pats on his back and continued to do so as his bestie took in the moment.
“I feel like I’m dreaming,” Stevie said.
We all need friends like this! Check out their heartwarming reunion in the video below, and don’t forget to share this story.
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