Stepfather Cries After Daughter Takes His Last Name as Birthday Gift

A man in Oregon, USA was brought to tears on his birthday after his stepdaughter gave him the gift of taking his last name.

Giselle Santoyo shared video of the moment on Twitter on November 8, 2018. “My greatest gift in life is you being my dad. Our goal was for you to adopt me before I turned 18, but it was too late. Here I am with your gift, I changed my last name for you. I love you forever, happy birthday?? I am legally Giselle Marie Santoyo,” she tweeted.

Giselle’s dad, Alfredo Santoyo, can be seen opening the gift and looking at what appears to be a frame, before breaking down in tears. According to Giselle’s Twitter, it contained the legal document that shows Giselle's name change.

What other parents are reading

For This Couple, Adoption Is No Less Beautiful Than Biologically Bearing a Child

How and Why Sharon Cuneta Chose to Tell Her Son He Is Adopted at a Young Age

My greatest gift in life is you being my dad. Our goal was for you to adopt me before I turned 18, but it was too late. Here I am with your gift, I changed my last name for you. I love you forever, happy birthday?? I am legally Giselle Marie Santoyo?????????? pic.twitter.com/lf8UqDjfeh

— ????????? (@gisellmarii) November 9, 2018

In an interview with KGW8, a television station in Portland, Oregon, Giselle shares that Alfredo helped raise her since she was 5 months old. “He taught me how to walk, ride my bike, drive,” said Giselle. “He’s really been there for every step… every moment in my life.”

She adds, “I wanted this [the name change] and I know he’s wanted this.”

What other parents are reading

Planning to Adopt? Updated Guidelines About Adoption From DSWD

Why Did Your Parents Give You Up Is A Question I Don't Want My Adopted Kids To Face

“It was just amazing,” said Alfredo. “Thinking and knowing she made that decision on her own.”

He says, “She’s always been my daughter. That’s one thing I’ve always said.”

Credit: Giselle Santoyo via Storyful

Planning to adopt? Click here for updated guidelines from the DSWD.

What other parents are reading

Plan Your Vacations! The Official List Of Philippine Holidays For 2020 Is Here

Nakabili Kami Ng Php650 Na Christmas Tree Sa Dapitan Arcade

Planning A Vacation To Hong Kong? DOLE Says Postpone Trips For Now

McDonald's Will Make You Nostalgic With These Limited Edition Happy Meal Toys