Kids Learn They Can Use Doorbell Cam To Send Messages To Deployed Dad Overseas

Nov 25, 2020 by apost team

In this heartwarming story from November 2019, two children from Forest Lake, Minnesota learned that they could send video messages to their dad while he was away on deployment, all through the tech-smarts of a doorbell camera!

The footage of some of their messages has since spread over the internet and has proven that just because we might not be in the same place as those we love, there's no reason we can't feel connected.

Major Peter DeCrans has served in the Army for over 20 years, but his deployment to the Middle East in 2019 was one that he'll never forget, according to the doorbell company's blog. It wasn't because of something that happened where he was stationed, but rather something that happened back home in Forest Lake, Minnesota.

Back home, the family has a doorbell security camera that protects the house. As it records whoever is standing in front of the door, the footage then becomes accessible to Peter and his wife Cierra. After the couple's children, then 7-year-old son Zerick and 5-year-old daughter Petroula, found this out, they began using the device to send personal video messages to their dad while he was stationed overseas. Who would have thought that a security camera could be utilized in such a way that it brings families even closer? 

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The video clips are too cute for words and act like a daily check-in for the young kids and their father, while he's unable to be home in person. As well as telling him how much they love and miss him, Zerick and Petroula fill their dad in on the little things that have been going on in their lives.

In one clip, Zerick shows off his new haircut, while in another he explains he's going to school to learn a lot. Petroula even celebrated her birthday while Peter was deployed, but she was able to show off how she looked on the day while wearing an adorable princess tiara. Zerick even got to share some very big news with his dad when he exclaimed with the utmost excitement that he'd graduated from riding his bike, proudly saying:

"With no training wheels dad! How cool is that?!"

Watching the footage is absolutely heartwarming. While not everyone knows what it's like to have a family member deployed in the military, we all know what it's like to miss someone who might not be in the same place as us. Major DeCrans said in an interview that although he can't be there with his family, the security camera footage allows him to "feel connected."

Peter and Cierra initially installed the doorbell camera to enable Peter to keep an eye on the house while he was away. Cierra said in the same interview:

"That was a big deal to him. He could always reach out and know what was going on at his own home."

But it was Cierra's father's idea to use the device in this unconventional way and once they gave it a go, they haven't stopped since. Major DeCrans pointed out it's the simplicity of use that means his kids can use it and it's not a big fuss to set up. He explains:

"You don't need to set up a tripod or make a big production of it. It was just easy to go up to the door and talk."

Not only is the contact with his family important, but little additional things like being able to see what the weather is like in his hometown also help Major DeCrans feel like a part of him is at home.

Cierra discussed how much more connected the family, especially the children, feel after discovering this life hack. She said:

"You could just tell that it helped them deal with the deployment. They went up to [the doorbell] and they just knew that [their dad] was going to be on the other end.”

A video of some of the messages was released with the family's permission and ever since it's gone viral on Twitter, with people exclaiming that this is exactly what we needed as 2020 draws to a close. 

The takeaway from this story is that it's important we tell those we love how important they are to us. If you can incorporate little gestures into your day, even with the help of technology if you're unable to be there in person, then you'll likely be making a huge impact on your loved ones' lives.

What did you think about this adorable montage of messages? Have you ever used technology in an unexpected way to stay connected with loved ones? We'd love to hear about it in the comments. Then be sure to pass this on to the people you want to stay connected to in your life.