Father, One Son Reunite After 30 Years

Jay Richardson arrived to Will Rogers Airport hours early Thursday, overwhelmed by so many emotions waiting for a flight to arrive.

Thursday, February 16th 2012, 9:00 pm

By: News 9


Jay Richardson arrived to Will Rogers Airport hours early Thursday, overwhelmed by so many emotions waiting for a flight to arrive.

"Just pacing… and a little thinking…" the anxious army veteran and father said.

The passenger he was waiting for is one of two sons he hasn't seen in 30 years.

"Trying to get through these minutes of anticipation," he said as he paced.

"It's scary. It's exciting, I don't know. I've got so many emotions all rolled into one."

Richardson was just 19-years-old then. He was a private in the Army with a wife and two little boys and not enough pay to feed them all. That's when the teenaged husband and his teenaged wife decided to give their boys up for adoption and, they hoped, a chance for a better life.

It was a hope that never faded, but was joined by a new one, a hope that he would one day get to see his boys again.

With the advent of social media, Richardson was able to locate one of the boys.

"Still trying to locate his older brother, Last I heard he was in Florida, but don't know for sure," he said.

The proud father did find out that both boys served their country, just like dad, both in the Army.

At the airport, the seconds passed slowly as the former soldier waited, He kept saying butterflies were in his stomach.

Only News 9 cameras were there as the father and son reunited.

"Hey dad! Bubba oh! How are you? Pretty good, oh it's good to see you!!! 30 years!" they both said.

As son walked and talked with father, the resemblance in their faces and in their laughs was immediately apparent.

"I'm just… I'm just… ecstatic," Jay's youngest son, Clay Gilbert said. "I was so nervous when I got on the plane."

"The apple didn't fall far from the tree," Jay said as they both laughed.

"I found out in 6th grade I was adopted and I've been trying ever since to find my parents," Clay said.

"A lot of catching up to do, Thirty years' worth. Thirty years' worth. Plenty of time to do it now," father and son said as they embraced.

Both of Richardson's sons did grow up together, but Clay has not seen his older brother in a few years.

As father and son reconnected, a new hope began to dawn that one day all three, a father and his two sons, apart for these many years, will once again be reunited.

Jamie Oberg on Facebook – facebook.com/JamieLynnOberg

Jamie Oberg on Twitter – www.twitter.com/jamieoberg

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