Christmas comes early for 5-year-old Maiden girl

Image 1 of 2

Five-year-old Autumn Gazeley has spent the last few weeks writing letter after letter to Santa asking for her dad's return home and her wish came true Wednesday.

In the video Autumn's teacher calls her to the front of the class to tell them all about her dad.

"He's in Texas right now and he'll be home eventually. He'll be home after Christmas," Autumn said. 

She and her dad, Sergeant George Gazeley have been separated for ten months.

He deployed in Kuwait and she's been at home in Maiden. Her only correspondence with him has been by mail.

But that all changed Wednesday after her dad walked into the school library.

Autumn seemed uncertain at first, then buried her face in her dad's neck, in a moment that brought tears to her teacher's eyes and one she'll cherish for the rest of her life.