FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. -- It was a very special day at school for one young lady at Herbert Akins Road Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina.

  • Delaney and Ryann Collins hadn't seen each other in nearly 7 months
  • Ryann is stationed in Arkansas
  • Delaney says she wants to join the Air Force like her sister

It's been nearly seven months since sisters Delaney and Ryann Collins have gotten to see each other.

Ryann's in the Air Force, and since she graduated from Leesville High School last year, she's been stationed all the way in Arkansas.

Tuesday, the family planned an amazing surprise at Delaney's school. Delaney thought she was just having lunch with her mom, but instead, it was her older sister she saw walking down the hallway.

The last time the two saw each other was in January when 18-year-old Ryann graduated from basic training.

The sisters were at a loss for words, but their mother Lauren couldn't help but cry watching her daughters reunite.

"Something has been missing the last seven months, and that something is Ryann," said Lauren Collins Ingram. "Christmas dinner was really emotional. That was the first time we got to talk to Ryann. She's not emotional, but I've noticed she's gotten more emotional over the last few months."

The family says little Delaney looks up to Ryann so much for serving her country, she's been talking about joining the Air Force just like her sister.