Local Marine home from Afghanistan surprises mom

It's usually star-crossed lovers that get the best gifts on Valentine's Day. But Thursday it was a Tulsa mother whose son is part of the war in Afghanistan. <br><br>US Marine Sgt Mike Merit arrived

Thursday, February 14th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's usually star-crossed lovers that get the best gifts on Valentine's Day. But Thursday it was a Tulsa mother whose son is part of the war in Afghanistan.

US Marine Sgt Mike Merit arrived back home Wednesday night from Operation Enduring Freedom. With a little help from his stepfather, Sgt Merit took a limo to surprise his mother at work.

In full uniform and armed with a dozen yellow roses, he showed up at mom's workplace. After a moment of shock, and a few tears, Terri Pribble grinned from ear to ear and gave her son a big hug. She says no gift could top this. "Oh it's awesome awesome. I couldn't get anything better. I should have known, a Marine. It's the best thing I've ever gotten."

The young Marine then escorted his mother to the limo waiting outside to take them to lunch. By the way, as surprised as mom was, she was a little upset that he got in Wednesday night but didn't let her know.