Rachel Ruiz’s quest to find her birth family was a lengthy and arduous one, but she ultimately succeeded in reuniting with them just in the nick of time!
Rachel’s biological family selflessly gave her up for adoption when she was only two weeks old. On her 18th birthday, Rachel received a letter from her birth mother, expressing the love behind her decision. Rachel had no qualms about being adopted, as her parents showered her with love throughout her life. More than a decade after receiving the letter, Rachel embarked on a quest to find her birth mother, driven by a simple desire to discover and connect with her biological roots.
“I never felt an overwhelming need to find answers to complete myself, but I am incredibly grateful that I found my birth family,” she expressed.
In an astonishing twist of fate, Rachel, now 35 years old, utilized a DNA test and social media platform Facebook to locate her birth mother. On Christmas Day, she received a response to a message she had sent her birth mom.
“I woke up on Christmas day, and there it was, her reply. I couldn’t hold back my tears,” Rachel recalled emotionally. She continued, “I shared a picture of the letter she had written me, and she responded, ‘I can’t believe it’s you, you’ve found me. What a miracle.'”
Meeting her birth mother, Angie, in person brought immense joy to Rachel’s heart. The search for her birth family brought about more blessings than she could have ever imagined. Rachel and Angie engaged in extensive conversations before Angie introduced Rachel to her 91-year-old grandmother, Mary. Little did they know that this moment would hold profound significance. Merely three days later, Mary peacefully passed away.
The passing of her grandmother marked the beginning of a new chapter for Rachel, as she was warmly embraced by her extended family. “It seemed as if it was her final purpose in life. I attended the funeral and had the opportunity to meet my cousins, aunts, and uncles,” she recounted.
Although Rachel’s time with her grandmother was brief, she now finds herself surrounded by the love of both her adoptive and biological families. She considers herself tremendously blessed.
Watch the video telling Rachel’s story below:
@rachelhruiz I finally reunited with my birth mom after 34 years! My adoption was closed and I’ve been trying to find her for over 10 years with failed attempt after failed attempt. Thank you @ancestry for being a huge reason why this was able to happen. #adoption #birthmomreunion #adoptionreunion #birthmom #adoptionsucess #closedadoption #ancestrydna #love ♬ Unstoppable (I put my armor on, show you how strong I am) – Sia
