Birthdays may start to feel a little less important as you get older, but it’s worth celebrating big milestones every five to ten years at minimum.
This man’s family and friends all gathered around for a big party on his sixtieth birthday.
But there was just one important person missing – his best friend.
The duo live in different parts of the country and haven’t been able to see each other in the last seven years.
So instead of letting another year go by, his family arranged for a big surprise.
To keep the secret under wraps, his best friend recorded a video to play at the party. The whole family sat down to watch and listen to the heartfelt message.
“Hey brother, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, I know that you’re having a big party there. Sorry that we weren’t able to make it out to join you for it. Sixty years old! Holy smokes.” – Dad’s best friend
He talked about not being able to be there, and how much he missed his bestie. It pulled on my heartstrings! And clearly on his too.
The kids have clearly been told about the surprise, because this one little girl is visibly struggling with keep it to herself.
She keeps leaning far forward to stare at the birthday boy, and then looking back at the other family members for their reactions.
She even dramatically puts her fingers to her mouth to shush another kid next to her.
It’s a miracle he didn’t catch any of it from the corner of his eye. Note to all family members: this girl is not yet ready to be trusted with secrets!
As the video is coming to a close, the best friend enters the room and stands behind the birthday guy. The message is so emotional that it’s bringing tears to both of their eyes!
“You’re an amazing man. I admire you, I totally respect you, and just thank god for you. That’s what I do.”
Is there anything sweeter than tough-looking men who aren’t afraid to cry? These two are just big teddy bears!
When the video is over, the best friend goes in to give his best friend a big hug from behind.
The birthday boy doesn’t know who is it, but clearly assumes it’s one of his children or maybe a sibling.
He hardly reacts! He just pats the mystery-hugger’s arms in thanks for the comfort after such an emotional message.
Even the rest of the family in the room are getting teary.
But then he turns around to see who it is – and totally freezes with shock! He can’t believe his eyes.
According to Tania Luna, a Psych expert who has given Ted Talks on the subject, explains what happens to the brain when we’re surprised. She says the brain goes through a “surprise sequence.”
“It’s a strong neuro alert that tells us that something is important about this moment and we have to pay attention,” she says. “Our cognitive resources are basically hijacked and pulled into the moment. That’s one of the things that’s really uncomfortable for some people, but also exciting for some people because your attention is completely in the moment.” – Tania Luna
You can see this happening to the birthday boy in this moment!
They make eye contact for a minute before it all sinks in, and the birthday boy yells “oh crap!”.
Everyone in the room cracks up and starts clapping.
He gets up and the two of them share a giant, emotional hug.
It’s such a pure reunion! And after what seems like a long seven years. But not even distance could break the bond they have.
There’s nothing that could have made this big milestone birthday more special.
“Tbone”, the birthday boy’s YouTube username, responded to the overwhelming response the video received. The reunion has been watched more than 5 million times around the world.
Watch the video below for the full video message and the reaction!
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