He was kidnapped by his father when he was just 18-months-old. His mother only had an old torn photo of his to locate her little son. The sad events that took place in this mother’s life and finally the reunion with her beloved son are just unimaginably painful.
What is it like when one day, after you return from work, you find your house empty? Your family has just disappeared… and what if the perpetrator of this loneliness is none other than your husband.
Maria Mancia and Valentin Hernandez lived in California with Steve, their 18-month-old son. One day when she returned from work, she could feel that something was amiss. A chill ran down her spine … and then it hit her… her husband and son were gone – for good!
The husband had taken away all the memories of her son. He took away all the photographs – even the ultrasounds when he was in her womb! Maria was heart- broken, totally devastated. The fact hit her hard – Valentin had kidnapped her only son.
Maria wasted no time and reported to the police. But without any pictures, there was not much hope of tracing the lost child. With much pursuing, the investigators finally located a black and white photo with some friends, but the bad quality of the picture did not help much in the search.
Days turned into months and then into years… but there was no news. The mother’s heart yearned for her child… Was he even alive? What does he look like? Is he studying? Does he have a girlfriend? – So many questions and no answers…
Then one day, the San Bernardino Police found some evidence that led them to the Mexico. Maria prayed hard and tried to remain calm, for once again she could see a ray of hope.
A DNA test was conducted and all waited anxiously for the results!
Yes! The handsome young man of 22 was indeed her long-lost son – Steve.
For Steve, who thought his mother was dead, this moment was equally emotional.
“It was a shock,” he said. “I didn’t know if she was alive or not and to get a call that says they found my mother and that she had been looking for me, it was like a cold bucket of water. But it’s good. It’s good,” he said.
When finally the mother and son were reunited, the young man brought along a very special gift for his mother – her valuable memorabilia – the pictures of her son.
Once Maria was reunited with her son, Steve decided to pursue his desire of continuing with his studies in the United Studies.
So what happened to the father? Well, he disappeared again. Or, was he dead? Maria and her son did not know and did not care. It was time to build new memories and live life to the full.
Watch this story of love and hope in this Inside Edition‘s exclusive video:
