This is a heartwarming story about a mother and son reuniting after 35 years. Stacey Faix was only 15 years old when she made the difficult decision to put her baby up for adoption. She never even had the chance to hold him. The adoption records were lost in a flood, making it incredibly challenging for her son to find her.

But in November 2017, a new law was introduced that changed everything. Adoptees were now able to obtain their birth certificates, which included their birth parents’ names. Little did Stacey know, her biological son, Stephen Strawn, was on a search to find her. He provided his information to an agency and after a month, he received his birth certificate.

The following year, Stephen surprised his mom at the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. Stacey was participating in the marathon with members of a social organization that supports veterans. Just before the race began, Stacey received a letter that said: “It’s been 13,075 days since you last saw me. I didn’t want to make you wait one more.”

She turned around and found her son standing there, 35 years later. Finally, she received the long-awaited hug she never got to have when he was born.

Stephen had reached out to Stacey on Facebook back in April and decided to surprise her at the marathon. Reflecting on their first contact on social media, he shared, “It was a big sigh of relief. I sent her a message and said, ‘Hey, I have a really weird question.’ I said, ‘Did you put a baby boy up for adoption in 1982?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘I think you may be my biological mom.’”

As they hugged each other, tears filled their eyes. Stacey expressed, “I never got to hold you,” which broke Stephen’s heart. Due to the circumstances of the adoption, it was not recommended for Stacey to hold him.

They must have hugged each other at least ten times. It felt surreal for both of them that this long-awaited reunion was finally happening, as it all unfolded so quickly.

After the emotional reunion, the mother and son ran the marathon together, not focusing on speed but cherishing the special bond they had found. They finished the race in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

The touching story has resonated with many people on social media. One person commented, “Every child deserves the right to know who their parents are, even if the parents choose adoption. The law should protect the most vulnerable, in this case, the baby.”

Another individual shared their own personal story, saying, “I was adopted at the age of six and found my biological mother and the rest of my family when I was 30! I am the youngest of 15 siblings! What a reunion that was!”

The story of Stacey and Stephen’s reunion reminds us of the power of love, perseverance, and the beauty of long-awaited connections.