It was a surprise unlike any other – a son reuniting with the mother who made the difficult decision to put him up for adoption. Stacey Faix was just 15 years old when she found out she was pregnant and knew that adoption was the best choice for her and her baby. Sadly, she never got to hold him before he was placed with his adoptive parents. The adoption records were lost in a flood, making it nearly impossible for him to find his birth mother.

However, a new law that took effect in November 2017 changed everything. This law allowed adoptees to obtain their birth certificates, which would include the names of their birth parents. Little did Stacey know that her biological son, Stephen Strawn, had been working tirelessly to find her. He submitted his information to an agency and a month later, he received his birth certificate.

The following year, during the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Stacey was participating with Team Red, White, and Blue, a social organization that supports veterans. Little did she know that her son had planned a surprise for her. Just before the marathon began, Stacey was given 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.”

As she turned around, Stacey was met with the sight of her now 35-year-old son standing there, ready to embrace her. It was the hug that she had longed for all those years ago when he was born.

Stephen had found Stacey on Facebook in April and decided to surprise her at the marathon. He reached out to her through a message, asking if she had put a baby boy up for adoption in 1982. When Stacey confirmed, Stephen revealed that he might be her biological son.

The emotions overwhelmed them both as they hugged each other tightly. Stacey expressed her regret at never having been able to hold him, and that broke Stephen’s heart. The adoption had been arranged in a way that it was not recommended for Stacey to hold the baby.

They must have hugged each other at least ten times, never wanting to let go. It felt surreal to both of them that this long-awaited reunion was finally happening. It had all come together so quickly.

After their emotional reunion, Stacey and Stephen ran the marathon together, focusing not on their speed but on the joy of being together. They crossed the finish line in two hours and fifty minutes, filled with love and gratitude.

This heartwarming story touched the lives of many people on social media. One commenter emphasized the importance of every child’s right to know their parents, even if the parents choose not to raise the baby themselves. Another person shared their own personal experience, revealing that they also found their biological mother when they were 30 years old after being adopted at the age of six.

This incredible reunion reminds us of the power of love and the strength of family bonds.