Father Shares Heartfelt Reunion with Long Lost Son After 30 Years
Jay Richardson has waited 30 years for this moment—a reunion with the son he gave up for adoption more than three decades ago. Richardson was 19 years old when he realized he could not afford to feed his two boys. He and his wife decoded it was best for their sons to give them up for adoption to offer them a better life.
Richardson never gave up hope that he would reunite with his sons. Thankfully he finally found his youngest son after many years and arranged to meet him.
The Reunion
Richardson stood at Will Rogers Airport anxious and excited. He was pacing around the airport overwhelmed with a flood of emotions.
“Trying to get through these minutes of anticipation,” he said. “It’s scary. It’s exciting, I don’t know. I’ve got so many emotions all rolled into one.”
News 9 cameras were with Richardson as he was pacing around waiting for the moment he had dreamed of his entire life. He thought about how his sons followed in his footsteps and joined the Army. Richardson was so proud of his boys.
With butterflies in his stomach, Richardson saw his son, Clay Gilbert, coming toward him.
“Hey dad! Bubba oh! How are you? Pretty good, oh it’s good to see you!!! 30 years!” they both said.
The father and son duo talked as they exited the airport. It was apparent they were related by the similarities in their faces and mannerisms.
“I’m just… I’m just… ecstatic,” Gilbert said. “I was so nervous when I got on the plane.”
“The apple didn’t fall far from the tree,” Richardson chuckled.
Richardson is still on the prowl to find his second son. Gilbert was in touch with him until a few years ago. Gilbert said he found out he was adopted when he was in the 6th grade and was searching for his birth parents ever since.
As the two hugged, Gilbert said, “A lot of catching up to do, Thirty years’ worth. Thirty years’ worth. Plenty of time to do it now.”