Hard Transition

While Steve was dealing with his own fears, his adoptive parents were concerned too. “On an emotional level, I felt like we’d taken someone else’s child. It’s taken a while for us to get used to the idea that we have to share him. But I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful,” his parents recall.

Stayed Distant

“Steve has spoken to his biological father several times. Pat and I have not. We have no plans to meet him, but with Steve’s permission, we might somewhere down the road,” his adoptive father told the newspapers. It took them time to get along with the idea.

The Artist

“We met the artist who created the photo Steve discovered on the web. We also met several investigators from the center and one from the Honolulu Police Department who all worked together on the case following Steve’s initial contact,” tells Steve’s adoptive father who wanted to know more about his son’s history.

Grateful

After their son’s reunion with his birth father, Steve’s adoptive parents have shown a lot of interest in the police work who help in bringing back families together. He said, “we learned about the wonderful work that the NCMEC does, not only to find missing children; but also to reunite parents and children who have been separated by disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. It’s an amazing group of highly skilled and dedicated people.” 

Imminent Reunion

Mark finally took the step and met his birth father and sister Jennifer. His birth father and the Carter family met later in the coming year. And finally accepted the fact that Steve is both families’ son. It was an emotional moment for the two families.

Hoping Same

“We believe Steve’s story is one of hope for all those parents who have suffered and continue to suffer the unexpected disappearance of a child,” his parents understand that how Steve is fortunate enough to reunite with his family and live a happy life in the meanwhile with the Carters.