Retiring pilot's heartwarming message for wife before his last flight makes the internet emotional

They say true love grows with time. Some old couples, who have weathered decades of successful marriages, set great examples of how to make a relationship stronger. Especially after retirement, the way they get excited for the next phase of their lives and how they choose to spend it is an absolute inspiration. One such inspiring couple is touching millions of hearts on social media. Delta Airlines pilot Randy DeGroot made a beautiful speech on his retirement day at work and had a special message for his wife. His daughter Laura Sakamaki (@laura_degroot) shared the video on TikTok and the internet can't help but cry tears of happiness for them.

The text overlay on the video read, "My dad's last flight with Delta. Giving mom a pair of wings!" The retiring pilot began his pre-flight announcement by saying, "Good morning, folks. My name is Randy DeGroot. I'll be serving as your captain today." He mentioned that he was excited about the journey and added, "I'm also excited that this is my last flight." DeGroot turned 65 last December and had to retire from his decades of service as a pilot. "So this is it and I'm just honored and privileged to be with you all today," the pilot said. The passengers and the crew members lauded the captain. But the speech didn't end there and the captain proceeded to honor his family.

Introducing his wife, Karin, DeGroot mentioned that his entire family, including his daughter, daughter-in-law and sons were traveling with him on his last flight. "I got my boys. They're in the cockpit," said the proud dad, whose sons were also working in the airline industry. "One of them is a dispatcher with Delta and the other is an air traffic controller at the Atlanta center," he said. He then expressed his love and gratitude towards his supportive wife, who was standing next to him during his speech. "My wife has been with me for almost 43 years and she's been my wingman throughout the whole time," said the captain.

The loving husband not only acknowledged his wife's support all those years but also made a beautiful promise that moved everyone, including his wife. He said, "Today, I want to give her a set of wings," and turned to his wife to say, "Because I am going to be your wingman." This got the wife dewy-eyed. "You've had a lot. A couple of six-month deployments in the Navy and a lot of three or four-day trips with Delta," the pilot pointed out. The couple shared a kiss and the wife cried tears of happiness as the captain's speech ended.

People were not only touched by the heartwarming speech but were also inspired by the wonderful relationship that the pilot and his wife shared. "I usually have crippling flight anxiety, but I would feel so safe with him after that speech," commented @michelle11106. "As a Delta flight attendant, I love that you honored her. Our spouses are the heart of Delta, holding the fort down while we fly. Well done, Captain," wrote @brantf. "The ups and downs this couple must have gone through to make it this far. That is true love," commented @reallynotthatgurl.