logo

Footage shows 11-year-old's emotional reaction to hearing surprise adoption news

author
May 24, 2018
04:04 A.M.

It was the best gift 11-year-old Landon Rice could have wished for and it made his Christmas unforgettable.

Advertisement

The boy’s mother, Janelle Rice, posted a video on Facebook that showed the emotional moment when he found out about his adoption.

Landon received a gift on Christmas morning. He is seen smiling as he opens the gift and his mother asks him to read it.

The young one is overcome with emotion as he reads the framed certificate of adoption from his step-father Daniel Rice.

Janelle asks him if he can read out loud, however, he is crying by this time and he nods his head saying he cannot.

The little boy is left speechless when he opens the wrapping paper and then burst into joyful tears. He then gets a hug from his new father.

Advertisement

He begins to cry even as his father, Daniel, holds him in a tight embrace.

Janelle quoted the German poet Friedrich Schiller on her post, ‘It’s not flesh and blood, but the heart that makes us father and son.’ It seemed the most appropriate line for the situation as she wished her family a Merry Christmas.

Responding to ABC via email, Janelle said that she is Landon’s biological mother. He was five months old when she began dating Daniel. The couple has been married for over 10 years now.

She added that her husband took her son in ‘as if he were his own.’ He has never treated Landon any differently from day one.

The video went viral and was viewed over 11 million times in just two days. It has now been watched more than 44 million times and has been shared more than 430,577 times.

Janelle expressed happiness over the attention the video received. She hoped that the video will show people that ‘love is love – by blood, marriage or connection.’

She added that for some people, a small act such as a step-parent adoption meant the world.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

5 Times Gifts Completely Ruined Celebrations

January 16, 2024

Dad Becomes Teary-Eyed upon Seeing Present His Daughter Got Him for Christmas: 'I've Been Waiting 30 Years'

January 13, 2024

Melissa Gilbert Showers Her ‘Pa’ Michael Landon with Love in Touching Birthday Message

November 01, 2023

Keyshia Cole Shares 2 Children with Her Exes - Facts about Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr. And Tobias Khale

November 08, 2023

Dad Is Told His Long-Awaited Daughter Died At Birth – He Gets a Message 'I Got The Baby' 3 Weeks Later

December 20, 2023

Celebrities’ Christmas Traditions: Having Eggnog, Crashing through Giant Gift Wrapping & Decorating Tree with Family Pictures

November 17, 2023

Woman Is Told to Divorce Her Husband after Getting Christmas 'Gift' from Him: 'He Treats You like a Servant'

January 11, 2024

I Couldn't Stop Crying over an Unexpected Wedding Gift Passed on through My MIL

February 21, 2024

I Couldn't Stop Crying over an Unexpected Wedding Gift Passed on through My MIL

February 13, 2024

Willie Nelson's Last Marriage Is 'The Smartest Thing' He Did – He Built a Strong Family Following Death of His Son

January 08, 2024

I Discovered My Husband Cheating with My Best Friend and Taught Them Both a Lesson — Story of the Day

March 08, 2024

Children of Cheapskate Parents Reveal Their Most Insane Stories

December 26, 2023

Children of Cheapskate Parents Reveal Their Most Insane Stories

November 30, 2023

Devastated Mom Wants to Adopt, Spots Girl at Adoption Agency Strikingly Similar to Her Late Daughter — Story of the Day

February 26, 2024