An impromptu assembly shrouded in secrecy had rumors flying at one elementary school in the east. The truth: One kindergartner was about to be reunited with his mom after a deployment in Afghanistan.
Six-year-old Nehemiah Credle's grandma arranged a little surprise. Cathy Moore says, "As a mom I wish she could come home and be with us, and enjoy Christmas with us, and his birthday with us."
In fact, Nehemiah's mom Melanie Credle, a cook with the Army's 82nd combat aviation brigade, has missed several important days over the past four months.
Principal Alicia Vosburgh says, "She missed that first day of kindergarten. All the firsts, first report card, PTO's, read-ins, there's a lot that goes into sending your child to public schools."
Tuesday's secret assembly and reunion seemed to make up for all those things that were missed. Credle says, "I was so excited. It's a very hard job, the Army, and being a single parent. But I love both of them."
Nehemiah had this to say about the surprise. "It's good. I love her."
This is Credle's second deployment with the Army. She heads back to Afghanistan in 15 days.
