Stacey Lee, 23, of Chorley, England, has been separated from her birth mother since the age of two, after she and her two brothers moved in with their father.
Stacey tells reporters, "Growing up I had always wondered about my mum. I knew her name was Brenda Elizabeth Davies, but I didn't know her age and I had never seen a photograph of her. As I approached my teenage years I always thought about my mum. My friends had good relationships with their mums and I often wondered what it would be like to have a mother-daughter relationship."
She began desperately searching for mom around age 15, but after eight years of dead ends, she was nearly ready to give up hope.
Her partner of five years, Martin Smith, listened to Stacey talk about how much she wished she had a mother in her life, and he gave her a suggestion.
His simple idea changed both of their lives forever — and the life of Stacey's birth mother, Brenda.
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As per Martin's suggestion, Stacey posted a selfie to Facebook asking for anyone's assistance in finding her mother.
The sign reads:
"Looking for my birth mother Brenda Elizabeth Davies (may have another name). Born in Leyland/Lang. Had me in Manchester General 21st Oct 1991. I also have 2 other brothers from my mum. If you have any info please contact me."
Martin and Stacey had seen similar stories pan out successfully. She was nervous it wouldn't work, but figured she had nothing to lose!
The image was shared over 100,000 times and, a mere 20 hours later, a woman called Stacey thinking she might be her cousin. This woman was able to put Stacey in touch with her mother, Brenda. The two struck up a conversation via Facebook and agreed to meet.
If the initial online conversation was emotional for them, meeting in person was even more so. They gathered at a pub where they both hugged each other and cried. Stacey said she could see herself in her mom, both physically and in how they act.
Brenda said she always regretted not having more contact with her three oldest children, and she was incredibly grateful to Stacey for making the effort to reach out and reestablish contact. The two are leaving the past behind and plan to make up for lost time. Brenda will soon be reunited with her sons as well.
Brenda now has other children who are looking up to Stacey as a big sister they love. Brenda says, "Stacey is so sweet and adorable."
Stacey and Brenda's story is proof that one should never give up, and sometimes the internet can actually bring about great things!
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