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STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- A mother who has been in the Middle East for nearly a year on military duty pulled off a surprise that had her son literally jumping out of his chair earlier this week.

Petty Officer Julie Workman, who has been deployed in Bahrain since January, planned the surprise for her son at the SouthPark Mall Tuesday.

In a video posted on the mall's Facebook page, her son is seen sitting on Santa's lap for a photo. Workman walks up from behind, and, after a stunned moment of surprise, he leaps out of the chair and into her arms.

The post said: "Petty Officer Julie Workman surprised her son last evening at SouthPark Mall’s Ice Palace. She’s been deployed in Bahrain since January 2016 and this heartwarming reunion shows how much she was missed. Wishing you loving reunions all season long. Happy Holidays!"

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