A mother and son embraced for the first time in nearly two decades after being reunited at an emotional surprise party in Louisiana.
Nerry Aspuria made a decision around 20 years ago that would reshape her family's life: her son, Ian Aspuria, would move to the United States to live with his father, while she stayed behind in the Philippines with his siblings.
She immigrated just a few years ago, finally making the long-awaited move to America.
But her son’s full name and whereabouts within the country remained a mystery.
It wasn’t until she walked into a surprise party to celebrate her 60th birthday that she realized her gift wasn’t the party at all, but seeing her now-28-year-old son for the first time since he was a child.
'I was very nervous at the time, but it was just a lot of emotions. Very grateful,' her son Ian told KALB News.
The tear-jerking reunion followed years of uncertainty after Nerry made the difficult decision to send Ian from their hometown of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, across the ocean to the United States.
As her life went on and she continued raising her other children, she consistently prayed each day that she would one day see him again.
Nerry Aspuria and her son embraced for the first time in nearly two decades after being reunited at an emotional surprise party in Louisiana
Nerry made a difficult decision around 20 years ago: her son, Ian Aspuria, would move to the United States to live with his father, while she stayed in the Philippines
Emotional footage showed Nerry seeing her now-28-year-old son for the first time since he was a child
But the lack of communication with Ian became unbearable over the years, and after meeting the legal requirements, she packed her bags and headed to the US, hoping it would bring her closer to him.
Annette Andriette Mendoza, one of Nerry’s three daughters based in Louisiana, felt she could do more and quietly began searching for Ian on her own.
'As I grow old and become mature, I realize that there is a missing piece in our family. And that is having my mother and brother reunite again,' Mendoza told the outlet.
Then the day came: she finally tracked Ian down.
'So, me and my brother planned all of this to have them reunite after 20 years, on her 60th birthday,' she said.
Ian flew in from Florida, where he currently lives in Brandon, to give his mother the best present she could have ever asked for.
'Very blessed. Very thankful to have a sister like her to make everything happen,' Ian told the outlet. 'It wouldn't be possible without her making it happen.'
Emotional footage captured the moment they locked eyes: Ian walking into the venue with flowers and Nerry instantly springing to her feet and reaching out for him, all while the room erupted in cheers.
Nerry immigrated just a few years ago, finally making the long-awaited move to America
Annette Andriette Mendoza, one of Nerry’s three daughters based in Louisiana, quietly began searching for Ian on her own, despite no one knowing his full name or whereabouts
After tracking down Ian, Mendoza recalled: 'I realize that there is a missing piece in our family. And that is having my mother and brother reunite again'
At another point in the clip, Nerry sits down, wiping tears from her eyes with a tissue, as Ian comforts her and reaches out so she can stand and hug him once more.
Those witnessing the pair’s reunion in the packed room agreed it was a birthday surprise no one would ever forget.
'God is good. We got to keep God in the center of everything,' Ian told KALB News.
'All the times that we were disconnected, you know, she kept searching,' he added, speaking of his sister. 'She kept searching and searching until God was ready to have us together again.'
'Happy birthday, Mom. Happy birthday. I hope you're so happy today. And we love you. We love you.'