Kids Find Way To Keep Father's Love Close

Thousands of Oklahoma dads were without their families on this Father's Day stationed across the world in the Armed Forces. A Wagoner family has found a special way to stay in touch and keep a father's love as close as the night sky.

The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports Sergeant Derek Hall left for Iraq nearly two months ago and he has four more before he's back home in Wagoner. His family is staying in touch as much as possible and his oldest son has a unique routine that helps shorten the miles.

There is a special wall, with a special theme. It's called "daddy's wall." It has dozens of pictures starring 3-year-old Braden and his dad, Sergeant Derek Hall.

Sergeant Hall is in Iraq with the Air National Guard. He's served two months of a six month tour in the country. It was during his three year stint in the Air Force when the Guthrie native met his wife, Nicole, who was also serving. Both share a passion to serve their country.

"It just drives him to want to help other people," said Nicole Hall.

To help her two sons cope with their father's absence, Nicole has started a special tradition. It begins each night when the sun goes down and the family gazes skyward.

Just after dusk, mom, Braden and little Bryson peek out the window.

"Count the stars," said Braden.

"We count the stars and we look at the moon?" asked Nicole.

"Yeah," said Braden.

"Yeah and we say goodnight to the moon just like daddy does," said Nicole.

Goodnight to the same heavens dad is seeing 7,000 miles away.

"Derek will tell Braden that he, 'I looked at the moon tonight, did you?' And that kind of helps,' said Nicole.

So when the sun goes down on Sunday, you can be sure a toddler in Wagoner and an Airman in Baghdad will celebrate Father's Day with the stars.

Nicole got the idea from a program produced by Sesame Street.