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11-Year-Old Starts to Cry When He Reads Christmas Present Saying He's Being Adopted

Lois Oladejo
By Lois Oladejo
Dec 11, 2021
11:20 A.M.

December 25, 2018, will always be a day to remember for 11-year-old Carter Wyles, who had his life turned around with just a Christmas present. What was inside the box? Find out!

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A tear-jerking video that went viral captured the moment an 11-year-old boy identified as Carter Wyles was reduced to tears as his thoughtful aunt surprised him with adoption papers on December 25.

Wyles's aunt, Leah Kiphart, decided to extend her family of seven to eight on Christmas Day by helping her little nephew escape an undesirable home life into a more loving environment.

Boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

Boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

In the video shared on Good Morning America's Facebook page, Kiphart handed the box to Wyles at their home in Lancaster, Ohio. Immediately, the 11-year-old opened the box to discover a family portrait and a handwritten note.

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The note asked the boy if he wanted to permanently be a son and brother to the Kipharts. The handwritten note read:

"Carter, this is our most recent picture of our family. All of us would love you to be in the next picture and to be part of our family. Carter, would you like to be a Kiphart and be our son and brother? We love you."

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Before the child could finish reading the touching note, his voice broke, and his head sank into his hands as Kiphart proceeded to wrap her arms around her new son. In the background, Kiphart's husband could be heard jokingly saying:

"Now, you can stay here forever. Well, until you are 18, and then, I'm kicking your butt out."

Wyles agreed to the adoption proposal through his flooding tears. During an interview with ABC affiliate WSYX in Ohio, the young boy explained that the moment was very emotional for him.

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

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In addition, Wyles said it felt awesome. On the other hand, Kiphart said her nephew's adoption status was nearing a deadline and about to change to give someone outside a chance to adopt him, hence the decision to adopt Wyles.

She said it might have been the last time they would have seen the child, and they felt it was essential to keep him in the family. Kiphart added:

"A lot of people talk about how lucky he is. We are just as fortunate to have him join our family."

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

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More than anything, the Kipharts were happy to see the video of Wyles opening the present go viral. They hoped it encouraged others to consider adopting older children, not only babies.

Carter said he was thrilled that the video brought joy to the world. He also admitted that it felt good that other people could enjoy his happiness and that of his family.

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

A user's comment on video of a boy who burst into tears after discovering he was adopted as a present. | Photo: Facebook/GoodMorningAmerica

This story serves as a source of hope for children who have been through various foster homes and are looking for a perfect and loving environment. It is never too late, and anything is possible.

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