Stranded in Qatar: Fort Myers couple's emotional return home

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Darryl and Lisa Lee are finally back in Fort Myers after being stranded in Qatar due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The couple landed safely at Southwest Florida International Airport on Monday morning, bringing relief to their family and friends who eagerly awaited their return.

Lisa Lee expressed her joy at reuniting with her loved ones.

"Elated! We're so happy just to see our family again, see these grandbabies again, and of course, our children. We're very excited to be here," said Lisa Lee.

The Lees had been on a trip to Australia and New Zealand when they found themselves stuck in Doha, Qatar, for more than a week due to the conflict in Iran. From their hotel room, they could hear and see airstrikes, witnessing parts of missiles landing in the water.

"All of a sudden, we see these things dropping in the water. They were parts of a missile or whatever that they had sent over that were intercepted, and we saw them actually land in the water," said Lisa Lee.

Their journey home was filled with ups and downs, but eventually, they made it back to Fort Myers.

"They said, come on down with all your bags. Today is the day. We went to the airport, flew to London, and then London to Dallas, Fort Worth, and then here," said Darryl Lee.

At the airport, their grandchildren ran to greet them, with their children following closely behind. Lisa Lee was surprised by her pickleball team, who arrived with flowers to welcome her back.

"I was very surprised that they were here. I didn't know that they were going to be here, and it was... they were great," said Lisa Lee.

The emotional reunion was filled with tears, laughs, and hugs, with signs that read, "We missed you, Nana and Grandad. We love you. Welcome home."