She wasn’t allowed to hold her baby in 1986. 30 years later, she finally did — on national TV

The relationship between a mother and daughter is beyond words. From being her little daughter’s protector to being her best friend in adulthood, the ever-evolving relationship is impossible to live without. But what happens when you have to spend your whole life away from the person who brought you into this world? Something similar happened with Meribeth Blackwell and her mother, Angie Oracoy, as they reunited after 30 years on the television show Good Morning America (GMA).

Oracoy, a 19-year-old girl back in 1986, gave birth to Blackwell, per ABC News. Before she could even see her baby, the nurses took her away, stating that she was up for adoption and hence, could not be picked up by her biological mother, per GMA. However, Oracoy snuck a peek at her little girl in the nursery. The mother was left in distress, but wished her daughter could live the life she could not provide her with her new parents.

Blackwell was later adopted by Rick and Diane Smith, who could not have kids, loved her like their own and raised her with immense love and support. “At the age of 6, I was told I was adopted. Even going to the doctor, they would ask me, ‘You know what is your medical history,’ and I would never know,” Blackwell shared, as she broke down in tears. It was especially hard for her because she loved her adoptive parents, but at the same time wondered who gave birth to her.

Both the mother and daughter mentioned how they had been looking for each other in almost everyone they met throughout their separation. With time, Oracoy had three more children, and Blackwell got married and had three kids herself. The daughter sadly expressed, “I finally got to a point where I was just done searching. I didn't ever think it was going to happen.” One day, she got on a website called heritage.com and found someone with matching DNA and an estimated relationship with her mother.

The mother-daughter duo finally met, melted in a warm embrace and shed a river. They caught up with breaking voices and teary eyes. Oracoy spoke about a letter she had written to Blackwell that she never found. She said, “In my letter, I hoped to express to her that she should never feel that I didn't want her; and that I truly was hoping that she would forgive me and understand my reason for doing it. It was so that she could have a life that was better than I can provide.” Blackwell, on the other hand, mentioned how her adoptive parents thanked her indirectly for giving them a blessing they could never have. Oracoy finally met her grandchildren, son-in-law, and Blackwell, her siblings. Blackwell’s husband gave Oracoy a bouquet, and so did her siblings. They all seemed happy to be meeting one another and looked forward to a bigger family Christmas.

After watching the video, many people shared their thoughts in the comments. @stefaniet6748 wrote, “The granddaughter looks just like grandma.” @Yvie225 commented, “A shame that the sister is not excited about meeting her sister. She is already grown, she is not coming to take anything from their mom, who is also her mom.” @jasonliss3173 expressed his agony by writing a heartfelt comment, “I miss my daughter every day. My heart hurts, loves, cares and cries all the time. I pray for her often. Even when tears don’t come out of my eyes, my nose will run just thinking of her. Love you, Alexis. I hope someday I can hug you again. – Dad.”