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Soldier returns home to make daughter's Christmas wish come true

The third graders were asked to write a letter with a list of what they'd like for Christmas -- items like bicycles, skateboards, video games, dolls, dresses and laptops

Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Children's Christmas wish lists can get pretty long, but for one Coastal Bend girl, it was a very simple Christmas wish -- to be with her mom.

"She didn't ask for gifts. She asked to be with her mom," said Norma DeLeon, Principal at Dr. J.A. Garcia Elementary School.

According to DeLeon, it's as if Saint Nick himself had set it all up.

"Family and love is the most important gift of all," DeLeon said.

The third graders were asked to write a letter with a list of what they'd like for Christmas -- items like bicycles, skateboards, video games, dolls, dresses and laptops. For Miriam Lopez, her list included that single wish -- to be with her mother.

"The last time I saw her was in February after my deployment to Afghanistan," Army Sgt. 1st Class Irene Zepeda said.

Zepeda landed in Houston and drove four hours non-stop to Garcia Elementary School. Inside, Lopez and her fellow students were heading to the library to hear a Christmas story read by the superintendent of the Corpus Christi Independent School District.

"This book is titled 'The Soldiers Night Before Christmas,'" CCISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Herandez said, reading to the children.

Slowly and methodically, as Hernandez read the story, a Christmas miracle unfolded.

"'And all through the base, only sentries were stirring, they were guarding the place,'" Hernandez read.

Lopez watched and listened, never expecting what was about to happen. That's when Santa Claus asked her to join him -- Santa had pulled some strings to make her wish come true. Zepeda revealed herself to her daughter.

There was not a dry eye in the room as everyone cheered, applauded and smiled for Lopez.

Lopez was brought to tears of joy and appreciation. The good tidings continued as she was showered with flowers and gifts.

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