Empty nester was happy to see her daughter FaceTiming her — until a tiny detail made her shriek out loud

A mom speaking to her daughter on a video call spotted something abnormal in the background. Digging into her brain to locate where she'd seen it, it only took a few seconds before she ran out of her room filled with pure joy. Her daughter, who goes by @aud.pov on Instagram, shared the heartfelt video on March 9 that has over 1.4 million views on her page. 

The mom had no idea that her daughter in New York would be flying home on her birthday. So, perhaps, as usual, she was speaking to her on a video call, giving her life updates, when she noticed something too familiar in her background. Oblivious to Mom, her daughter had sneaked into her childhood bedroom and was waiting to meet her in person. As soon as the mom realized where the background was from, she ran to her room and pulled her into a hug. "Happy birthday to you," the daughter sang as she saw her mom excited about her homecoming. Overwhelmed by her reaction, she wrote, "[I] highly recommend going home and surprising your mom for her birthday," in her caption. For most parents, adjusting to their 'empty nest' after their kids leave home is incredibly challenging.

For instance, a survey of 1,000 parents of first-year university students by Unite Students (cited by The Guardian) found that 98% experienced "extreme grief" while dropping off their children at the college for the first time. In fact, 93% of parent respondents felt that spending time with their children at home during lockdowns further intensified the emotional impact of them leaving. Similarly, another survey (Aura partnered with Talker Research) observed that while 58% of parents miss seeing their kids every day, 46% miss the physical gestures such as hugs, and 39% miss having meals together. The study found that many empty nesters adopt new hobbies to cope with the new normal. While 26% engage in physical activities and start taking fitness seriously, 17% turn to travel, and 9% devote more time to volunteering. 

Meanwhile, reacting to the beautiful surprise reel, @jenn.marie.ds commented, "This was the sweetest thing ever! A mama's love. It is the best gift she got for her birthday for sure." @aunty.rissa wrote, "I really wish it didn't take losing my mom to really appreciate these moments. I love this for both of you." Similarly, @david_from_belgium shared, "This broke my heart. So beautiful. Awesome idea. And so genuine too. Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment. You are such a good daughter. This is what life is all about: these beautiful moments." @mellyscoffeecorner shared, "I did this to my grandpa, and I turned the camera around so he was looking at himself, so confused. It was the best. I wish it were recorded."

You can follow @aud.pov on Instagram for more lifestyle content. 

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