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\nHaving taken the leap to invite Newkirk to his Florida home, Snyder\u2019s meeting with his birth mother was scheduled for February 2019. Cameras were ready at the airport to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment. As passengers began disembarking, Snyder exhibited a mix of anxiety and excitement, comparing the experience to a first date.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s almost like a first date,\u201d he shared with Fox 29. \u201cYou get the butterflies, you get the trepidation, you don\u2019t really know what\u2019s going to happen or how things are going to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, as Jeff caught sight of his mother walking into the airport, his anxiety seemed to vanish. He approached her with a warm greeting, saying, \u201cHi pretty lady!\u201d Their emotional reunion unfolded with a tight embrace, and Snyder welcomed her with, \u201cWelcome to Florida\u2026 Welcome to my life!\u201d Overcome with joy, Newkirk hugged her son again, attempting to hold back tears. She expressed her excitement at being able to embrace her son again after 51 years of separation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI held him for six hours, 51 years ago,\u201d Newkirk revealed, holding back tears. \u201cAnd this is the first time I get to do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1967, Newkirk gave birth to Snyder before making the difficult decision to give him up for adoption.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the reunion, Snyder admitted to feeling \u201ca bit overwhelmed, maybe.\u201d He had encouraging words for those hesitant about using DNA technology to reconnect with their past.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a success story, I\u2019m one of the happiest success stories. I\u2019m lucky,\u201d he said. \u201cI encourage people to keep trying and do whatever they can. Find them, you\u2019re going to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n