Video: Young Girl Gets An Early Christmas Wish Granted

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REFORM, Ala. (WCBI) – When the holidays arrive, many of us picture ourselves surrounded by family and friends. However, that’s not always the case for our military service members. But tonight, one solider is home after her six year-old’s Christmas wish was granted. Kindergartner, Phoenix Rutledge, had a special performance in Reform Elementary School’s holiday program, “A Seven Habits Christmas.”

She had to describe her favorite leader, her mother, Staff Sergeant Natasha Rutledge. Little did Phoenix know her mother was just off stage. It was an emotional hug a year in the making.

Staff Sergeant Rutledge deployed to Kuwait 9 months ago. Mother and daughter were expecting to reunite  on Christmas day, but this is a reunion that just couldn’t wait.

“It’s a blessing, it’s great. It’s great to be at home with my daughter, it was very hard but my mother was very supportive, my other family members, and the staff here at Reform Elementary, my church family, everybody was very, very supportive,” said Staff Sergeant Natasha Rutledge.

“What does it feel like to have your mom back home for Christmas?”

“Happy, she is my mom and I like her,” said Phoenix Rutledge.

Staff Sergeant Rutledge says another deployment is possible in the future, but right now she’s focused on having the best Christmas with her daughter.

“I have six more years, so who knows, really excited to see my little girl, just glad to be back,” said Staff Sergeant Rutledge.

While in Kuwait, Rutledge served as a human resources specialists.