We're used to seeing screams and bear hugs in military homecoming videos, so there's something particularly touching about the quiet moment when student-athlete Lanicia Williams sees her father for the first time in 10 months.
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Barry Lawrence chose to surprise his daughter during her basketball practice. "I knew I would get a hug and a kiss," he told KSHB. "But I didn't know there would be that much crying."
Aww. But there's bound to be crying, and especially in this case, because Lanicia knew her father was home for good. No more tours, no more spending months away from home.
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Rod Edmisson, the Missouri Western women's basketball coach, helped coordinate the moment. He lost his own son last year, and knows how important these family bonds can be. "The relationship between a parent and child is obviously the best there is," he said.
As for Lanicia, she could hardly believe her eyes. "I thought it wasn't real," she said. "I thought I was dreaming at first... nothing will ever top it. Ever."
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