At a beautiful wedding in Ripley, New York, a touching moment took place as a four-year-old boy, Gage, couldn’t hold back his tears of joy. His father, US Marine Corps Sergeant Joshua Newville, and his new stepmom, Senior Airman Emily Leehan, were exchanging their vows at Quincy Cellars.
While the couple’s vows were moving, it was Gage’s stepmom’s words that left him emotional. As she looked at him, she said, “I want you to be safe and to try your hardest and to be a good person.” Gage couldn’t control his emotions and wrapped his little arms around her as he began to cry.
“Don’t cry, baby,” she said gently, while the guests responded with soft ‘aww’ sounds, followed by quiet laughter. His dad quickly stepped in, trying to comfort him. “Buddy, it’s okay,” Sergeant Newville said, holding Gage in his arms as he continued to cry.
Gage’s stepmom, Emily, continued speaking from the heart, saying, “I hope you learn that you are a very special boy. You are so smart, handsome, and kind to others. You have helped make me into the woman that I am today.”
As she finished, she added, “I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you,” and leaned down to give Gage a kiss. In response, Gage reached out for a big hug, and both Emily and Joshua joined him in shedding tears.
The couple is still on active duty, and they won’t be taking a honeymoon at this time. They will soon return to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Trenton, New Jersey. This emotional moment between Gage and his stepmom showed the power of family and love.
