Gold Star Family Receives a Big Surprise That Will Change Their Lives Forever

One Gold Star family was surprised when visiting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. Jessica Ardon was just 24 years old with a new baby when her husband was killed in Iraq back in 2007. Almost 18 years later, she and her two boys receive a magical gift.

A Gold Star family is a family of a fallen service member who died during military service. They are a vital part of the military community and the entire country.

Jessica Met Daniel When She Was 17

Jessica met Daniel, the love of her life, at just 17 years of age. “The first time I saw Daniel, I said, ‘Wow! I like that one,’” Jessica shared. The two met when she was working at a store in Georgia. “I have a thing for gingers, and he was a ginger. So we went on some dates,” she added.

The two dated on and off but lost touch when Daniel Ardon joined the Army. “He was my first true true love,” she says. And she felt like maybe she would find him again. Her dream came true when he walked into Jessica’s store while home on leave.

Jessica moved to Alaska to be with him. They got married, and in 2006, they were expecting their first child. Brian James, or BJ, was born in November while Daniel was deployed to Iraq. It was his third deployment. However, he came home on leave in December, meeting his son and celebrating the holidays with his family.

Those Two Weeks Were The Best Of Her Life

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“When Daniel first saw BJ, he cried. He picked him up and held him the whole time,” Jessica said. She shares how meaningful and special those two weeks were. “Those two weeks were the best time of my life,” she says.

Daniel returned to Iraq, but in May, Jessica received the news no military family wants to hear. “I got a knock on our door, and they said, ‘We regret to inform you that your husband was killed this morning.’” Jessica couldn’t believe it. “There was a lot of crying. I just clung to my son.”

Now, BJ is 18 years old. Daniel didn’t want to miss the first year of his son’s life, but sadly, he missed all of it. And as Jessica says, that’s the hardest part. “I think about him all the time,” young BJ says. “Even in school, it’s hard not to think about him. I love him, and I wish he was still here.”

Jessica Wants To Put Down Roots For Her Kids

Over the years, Jessica dated and eventually had another son, Oliver, but she never remarried. “He was my person. He was my soulmate,” she says about her first love. Her kids keep her going. “I live for my kids. I love being able to be here for them every day.”

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She lives in Georgia with her parents to care for her Dad and shares a room with her youngest son. There isn’t enough space for all of them in their home. She applied for a home through the Military Warriors Support Foundation. The program awards mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded veterans and unmarried Gold Star spouses whose loved one was killed in action.

“I kinda want to set roots for my kids and I. And have a home for us…I’m honored that my husband essentially died believing in this country. And I think he’d be proud of me today and happy to see that his death didn’t kill me. That keeps me going,” she shares.

The Gold Star Family Was Excited About the Amazing Gift

Jessica and her sons BJ and Oliver sit down to talk with Hoda and Jenna. Hoda asks how she got through the toughest moments. "It’s been 18 years, but it still feels like yesterday sometimes,” she says. I get through it just with my kids. I mean, it’s one foot in front of the other every day. I’m very glad I have them.”

The love Jessica has for her boys and they for her is evident. She dreams of living in Florida near family. That’s when Jenna shares that they have a huge announcement. They let her know that they knew that she had applied for a home. “When Wells Fargo heard about your story, they purchased a home for you in Florida and donating it to your family,” Jenna shares.

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Jessica and her boys were ecstatic to see what their new mortgage-free house looked like. It is a beautiful blue house with plenty of space for the three of them and extra space for when the grandparents visit.

“It’s amazing!” Oliver says.

“It’s awesome!” BJ adds.

What a fantastic blessing for this family. May they make unforgettable memories together in the years to come.

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“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” - Matthew 5:4

WATCH: Gold Star Family Receives a Big Surprise That Will Change Their Lives Forever

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h/t: WFLA

Photo Credit: YouTube/TODAY with Hoda & Jenna

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.