In a heartwarming twist of fate, Ruby Robinson, a graduating senior from Columbia Engineering School, experienced an unforgettable moment during the school's commencement ceremony. Little did she know that a surprise awaited her on that momentous day.

As Ruby confidently made her way across the stage, exchanging handshakes with university officials, she was taken aback when a familiar figure reached out to congratulate her. It was none other than her father.

In an emotional embrace on stage, Captain Keith Robinson of the U.S. Army Reserve expressed his immense love for his daughter, whispering heartfelt words to her. Ruby's assumption that her father, who had been deployed in Afghanistan for the past six months, would not be able to attend her graduation due to active duty had been shattered.

The Columbia Engineering School confirmed that Ruby, a computer science major, had not anticipated her father's presence at the ceremony. Captain Robinson had managed to secure a temporary leave from his unit and embarked on a journey to New York, arriving just in time for the commencement.

The significance of having her father physically present overwhelmed Ruby with gratitude. She admitted, "To have him here in the flesh means so much to me. I didn't expect it at all. I didn't think it was possible. To have your parents at your graduation is a big thing."

Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Captain Robinson shared, "We talked about two weeks ago and I think we came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to make it. A week ago, my general went to work and started trying to make this happen for me. A 14-hour flight from Kuwait to D.C. and another 3 1/2 hours to Denver. The next day, to turn around and fly here. I haven't had time to stop and think about it myself. But when I saw her, it was all worth it."

This heartwarming reunion between Ruby and her father serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by military families and the profound joy that can be found in moments of unexpected togetherness.

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Via Fox 8 News