New Mexico man reunites with mom after 50 years — all thanks to simple Valentine's Day gift from his wife

The importance of family is often best understood by those who have experienced its absence. Daryl Perez, a New Mexico man, was brought up in an adopted household but long yearned to meet his biological family. His wife Amy gifted him a 23andMe test on Valentine's Day in 2024, as per ABC affiliate, KOAT. Although he was initially hesitant to take the test, it ultimately transformed his life.

Initially, Perez was hesitant to take the test. His wife, Amy, shared, "He had been on the fence about doing this for a few years, and in February, he asked for it on Valentine's Day." Perez added, "I was adopted. Don't know anything about my biological family, so I figured it'd be great. Let me get a 23andMe." With that, he decided to move forward. To his astonishment, the results revealed a match with someone named "Hankerson." Upon further research, they discovered the person was a man living in El Paso, Texas. "I look at his DNA and we share like 23% DNA and go 'this has got to be somebody I know. It has to be,'" Perez recalled. The man turned out to be Perez’s biological brother, someone he never knew existed. During a phone call, Perez also learned that they had another sibling—a sister.

"I did not get anything done at work that day," Perez told the outlet. "My emotions were through the roof. Talked to both of them back and forth all day long." During these conversations, Perez also discovered that his biological mother was alive and living in Texas. Reflecting on the reunion, he said, "I never got a chance to be a good kid. And now I feel like finally getting my chance to show my mom that this is me." 

Reuniting with his biological family had a profound impact on Perez, transforming his life in unexpected ways. Amy revealed, "He's a better person. I saw his whole demeanor change as soon as he met his family." Life has a remarkable way of reuniting lost souls. In a similar story, a man named Timothy Welch met his biological mother after 60 years of separation. While adoption provides hope and stability for children seeking love, it also carries uncertainties and challenges. Yet, individuals like Perez and Welch exemplify perseverance, proving that unwavering determination can ultimately lead to the answers they seek.

After over 58 years, Welch was fortunate to reconnect with his biological mother, June Mary Phelps, through a Facebook group, as per BBC. Welch was adopted at just six weeks old after Phelps faced a difficult decision. Meanwhile, his adoptive parents, Bill and Eunicé, welcomed him with love and kindness, providing the nurturing care they had long yearned to give as they navigated their own struggles with infertility.

Despite the love of his adoptive parents, Welch continued to search for his biological family. In January 2022, while browsing through old family photos, he discovered clues about his birthplace and joined a Facebook group dedicated to reuniting families. This led him to apply for his original birth certificate, which contained information about his biological mother. With this discovery, Welch finally met his mother. Reflecting on the emotional moment, he said, "It was the first time I was able to see myself in my mother's eyes."