This video has the internet buzzing for a number of reasons–is it real? Why hasn’t his mother seen him in seven years? Why didn’t he get in touch if he was alive? All I know is that when I watch it I’m overcome with happiness for this mother and son. I’ll leave it to others to figure out if it’s on the up-and-up.

This short clip surfaced recently when it was posted on Instagram and TikTok by @mineyprinceyzhakkyloven, who hasn’t responded to many requests to verify its authenticity, which makes it suspect. In the clip, a U.S. Marine in dress blues arrives at the front door with superimposed text telling the story: his mother thought he died and he hasn’t seen her in seven years.

All of the questions might have valid answers. It doesn’t say, for example, she thought he died seven years ago, just that he hasn’t seen her in seven years. Maybe she received word shortly before the video was taken that he had died but he’d been gone a long time before that.

I’m posting this clip because I actually like to think this might be true and because of the video caption assigned, “Have you ever been this happy?” So that’s something every one of us should consider. Why would it take thinking that your child was dead in order to be that happy? Why not rejoice in them every day, knowing that one day at least one of you won’t be around anymore.

So rather than get into the internet squabble about the authenticity of this clip, let’s just say that I like it for the possibility it represents and for the reminder it provides on what’s truly important.