In the United States, a new chapter begins for about 135,000 children each year through adoption.
For many, the ties to their birth parents remain a mystery, shrouded by state laws.
However, Pennsylvania has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway for these children to uncover their origins.
This narrative unfolds with a mother and the son she parted with 35 years prior.
At the age of 15, Stacey Faix faced a heart-wrenching decision: to raise her newborn or to place him for adoption.
In a time of limited choices, she chose the latter, a goodbye unaccompanied by a single embrace, haunted by the belief that it was forever.
The infant, Stephen Strawn, blossomed into a man, his life a tapestry of experiences, including serving in the military.
Residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Stephen’s curiosity about his birth mother never waned.
Yet, when a flood claimed his birth records, the hope of finding her seemed to wash away—until a pivotal legal change in 2017 in Pennsylvania law rekindled his chances.
With the newfound right to access his birth certificate, Stephen discovered the name of his birth mother: Stacey Faix of Ohio.
Turning to Facebook, he sifted through profiles, sending a message into the digital void, “Hey, I have a really weird question. Did you put a baby boy up for adoption in 1982?”
The reply that came back was simple yet life-changing, “Yes.”
And with a few more exchanges, the connection was made.
Despite the decades apart, Stephen and Stacey’s lives had unknowingly intersected through their involvement with Team RWB, a veterans support group.
Coincidentally, both were preparing to participate in the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, a detail that would soon become the backdrop for their extraordinary reunion.
Stephen orchestrated a surprise with the help of Team RWB’s Pittsburgh chapter.
The plan was to reveal himself to Stacey during the marathon, a momentous occasion that even involved Stephen’s stealthy wait in a portable toilet to avoid premature discovery.
The day of the marathon, Stephen handed Stacey a card that marked the 13,075 days since she had last seen him.
As she absorbed the words, Stephen approached from behind.
Turning around, Stacey found herself face-to-face with her son, and for the first time, she wrapped her arms around him.
The emotional encounter didn’t end there.
Stephen was also introduced to his biological sisters, leading to an emotional time for all of them.
Post-marathon, the newly reunited family celebrated at a cookout, laying the foundation for a summer reunion and a rekindled relationship.
This poignant reunion, captured by local media, offered a glimmer of hope to parents and children separated by adoption.
Stacey’s message was clear: never lose hope.
The embrace shared between Stephen and Stacey, after 35 long years, was a testament to the enduring bond of family.
Watch this heartwarming story in the video below!
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