Regina Benzing, a teacher at Lenox Elementary School in Baldwin, got the best gift a mother could want Wednesday.

She was surprised during a student assembly by her 20-year-old son Eric, who had been serving overseas in Germany for almost a year.

At the time, she was announcing the school’s “Students of the Month.” Her son’s name was included on the list.

“I had no words. I just cried. It was so good to put my arms around him. I've been waiting a long time,” she says.

Eric Benzing will be home for three weeks on leave. He says he can’t wait to have his favorite meal – mom’s mac and cheese.