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COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) -- A Midlands graduate had a surprise visitor Saturday while getting her diploma.

Master Sgt. Gillian Michel showed up to her daughter Jazmyn's graduation ceremony and surprised her as she walked across stage.

The mother has served our country for the last 22 years, and has been in Afghanistan for the past 3 months.

"I've missed a lot of my daughters life,being in the military and being a single parent over the last 18 years so I was just over joyed and ecstatic to be here for this moment that will never be here again." said Michel.

Jazmyn graduated from White Knoll High School, and cried as she saw that her mom made it to her graduation.

"I've talked to so many people about how I'm sad about my mom not being here and they all know what im going through because I dont have her here to talk to. To have so many of the administration, staff, teachers, friends, and see their reaction, they probably felt what I felt too." said Jazmyn.

Michel had been in town for a few days but couldn't see Jazmyn because she wanted to surprise her. Michel said she was updating her facbook status as if she was still in Afghanistan so her daughter wouldn't expect anything.