Dad bursts into tears after long-lost son tracks him down after 36 years

02 July 2023 , 06:00

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His son was put up for adoption shortly after his birth (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

A heartbroken dad has finally met his firstborn son after spending 36 years wondering what happened to him. The man accidentally became a father at aged 19 - but the child was hidden from him and put up for adoption.

When he found out about his son's existence, he went to court to file for custody but was outright refused. Sharing his story on Reddit, one of his other son's said: "My dad had a son 36 years ago with his high school girlfriend.

"He was just 19 when the baby was born and he had just joined the military about six months prior. He didn't know about the baby since he and the girlfriend had split up. She put the baby up for adoption.

The courts refused him custody of his son (stock photo) (Getty Images/Westend61)

"When he found out about the baby he tried to get custody but for whatever reason the judge wouldn't allow it.

"My dad had no information about his son or any way to find him."

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The man met his wife one year later and they went on to have five children together.

But one weekend, almost four decades after, one of his sons was contacted by a half brother through 23andMe, an online DNA ancestry service.

"I knew about the baby so it wasn't a surprise," he added. "I told my parents and for the first time in 36 years my dad got to speak to his son on the phone.

"My half brother looks so much like my other brother that they could be mistaken for one another.

"My half brother lives two hours away but grew up 20 minutes from where I grew up.

"Everyone is thrilled and we are planning a visit very soon. My dad bawled like a baby after he got off the phone.

"His son was adopted by a wonderful couple who encouraged him to find his biological family."

Commenting on his post, one user said: "I'm so happy for your dad and your family! What a beautiful result."

Another user added: "There's something in my eye. Lovely story, sorry that it took 36 years."

A third user said: "23andMe did something right! Well done to you and congratulations to your dad, what a beautiful story."

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