Jefferson City native in the Air Force returns home, surprises mom

JEFFERSON CITY — "When I heard her say 'Momma!' and I looked at her, it was just amazing."

Donna Ewing has lived in Jefferson City since 1997 and works as the lead cook at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. Ironically, a recipe drawn up without her knowledge by her daughter, Mia, who worked with her at the hospital for three years, gave her the best surprise of the new year.

Mia Mason, now 20 years old, graduated from Jefferson City High School in December 2016, six months ahead of schedule. After some research and then selling by a recruiter to join the Air Force, Mia became an airmen of the Air Force Security Forces, or what she calls "a cop for the Air Force."

She graduated from tech school and awaited her assignment, which she eventually learned would be at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. But, she kept that to herself while secretly planning a return trip home before leaving for California Feb. 10.

"She kept saying her orders were being changed and she didn’t know when she was going to leave," Donna remembered.

Mia, who had not been home to Jefferson City for nearly six months, booked a flight home in December and held the secret from Donna for two months.

"She was just lying to me," Donna said with a laugh.

It took a total team effort to pull off the surprise. Mia said she contacted Donna's manager, Amy Henderson, who then made a fake schedule to ensure Donna would be 'working.' Donna had made it clear to Mia she wanted to be off work the day her daughter arrived.

Mia's best friend, Amari Graves, picked Mia up from the airport Jan. 28 and took her to the hospital. SSM employee Stephanie Ware helped sneak Mia into the hospital.

"It went just as planned," Mia said. "I didn’t expect it to go so well."

"I’m just glad I didn’t know, and I’m glad no one told me," Donna said. "The best thing is that it was such a surprise."

Mia said she was able to surprise her 12-year-old brother and her stepfather, both of whom were excited to see her. And her first item to check off the list after seeing her family? Eating Chinese food!

"I had been craving the Crab Rangoon down here, oh my goodness!" she said.

Mia said she has been able to see all of her friends while she has been back, and plans on soaking up the time with everyone close to her since she may not be back for six years.

But while she is in mid-Missouri, Donna said she is just thankful she gets to see her daughter for the time she is here.

"I just love my baby."

Editor's Note: The headline has been updated