Marine surprises mother at her college graduation

After putting her life on hold for her children, one mother in Philadelphia finally got to walk the stage for her graduation -- and she received her diploma from a very unexpected visitor, according to WPVI.

That was 43-year-old Tondaleya Robinson and her son, Corporal Paul Robinson, who had been stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps in Virginia and hasn't been home in five months. WFMZ says:

"He had only one day in town, and he made the trip from Virginia to surprise his mom."

"He's like, 'I'm really sorry, I'm sorry I couldn't make it.' I was like, 'It's OK Paul, because I know if you could be here you would.'"

"Her reaction was exactly what I was expecting," the son says.

Paul's father passed away in 2011 from a long illness, so Tondaleya put her education aside to care for her children. Paul told WTXF he's never seen her be as strong as she was through that tough time.

"My mom is one of my biggest inspirations throughout the passing of my father."

Tondaleya reportedly isn't stopping with only one diploma. She plans to pursue her Master's degree next.

Tondaleya received a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from Pierce College.