An 11-year-old girl received a beautiful birthday surprise in her school canteen when she was presented with a stuffed doll that she knew indicated her soldier dad was home from deployment. Before heading overseas with the United States Army National Guard, Jesse Morrow, from Alabama, won a stuffed Stewie Griffin doll while playing on a machine at a bowling alley. Jesse's battle buddy had an idea - why not take Stewie on their deployment and document his travels to send back to Jesse's daughter, Izabelle? Over the months that followed, Jesse took photos and videos of Stewie on planes, with his fellow military personnel, and while in transit. When it came time to come home at the start of 2023, Jesse knew he had to incorporate Stewie in some way. He contacted Isabelle's school – Markham Park Elementary, in Illinois – and asked if he could have a surprise lunch with his daughter. After the school had said yes, the surprise itself was set up with Stewie front and center. During Izabelle's birthday celebrations, she was given the doll, which she knew meant her father must be home. Jesse then appeared and headed over to his daughter for a long-awaited hug.
