Birthday wish comes true, dad's home

By Stacey Cameron, NEWS 9

Imagine celebrating your birthday without your father as a child. One metro boy thought that is what would happen to him on Wednesday when he woke up. But by the end of the day he had a very happy birthday surprise.

Not hearing from dad was hard when Blaine Johnson was at school Wednesday, because it was his 10th birthday. While he sat in class, it seemed Blaine's one birthday wish wasn't coming true.

"My dad coming back home and that was it," Blaine said about his one wish.

Blaine's father, Sgt. Paul Johnson, is a sergeant in the Army who, until now, was serving overseas in Afghanistan.

"It's been pretty hard for me, because we've always been so close and I've always been here with him," Paul said.

Gone for two years, Paul drove 16 hours overnight to walk down the school hall and surprise his son on Blaine's favorite day of the year.

Having no idea dad was outside, Blaine tried hiding his disappointment, focusing on school.

When Blaine got a look at his dad walking in, a birthday hug said everything Blaine couldn't.

"Happy Birthday," Paul said.

Blaine remained a little tongue-tied, talking about his khaki-covered birthday present.

Blaine's family said this is the first time they've ever seen 10-year-old Blaine speechless.

As an extra surprise for Blaine, two of his grandparents drove from Wichita, Kan. to make this birthday reunion a big time family affair.