Over 50 years after being put up for adoption, a southwest Florida woman was finally reunited with her biological father recently in an emotional moment at a local airport.
Lisa Barrella told NBC affiliate WBBH she met her biological mother three decades ago and learned the name of her father, but only recently connected with him after 54 years by searching on social media.
“I was adopted as an infant by wonderful, amazing, hardworking, and loving parents,” Barrella said. “And yet I couldn’t have children of my own. So, this biological connection of being able to meet my father is that much more meaningful for me.”
Barrella and her husband, Al, recently made plans to meet her father Felice Giampa for the first time at Southwest Florida International Airport.
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“I always said there’s nothing I wanted from him except to look into his eyes and see his smile,” Barrella said.
The reunion took place and the father and daughter embraced in an emotional moment.
“Oh yeah, it’s priceless,” Barrella said after finally releasing her father from a warm hug. “I’d wait another 54 years.”
