She Grew Up in a Foster Family With 9 Kids & Believed Her Mom Had Died — Two Decades Later, She Got an Unexpected Call

 

Stefany Valentine never expected to hug the mother she thought she had lost forever. Born in Texas to a Taiwanese mother, Meiling, and an American military father, Stefany’s early life was shaped by constant relocation and, eventually, a painful separation.

After her parents’ divorce when she was five, her father gained custody and returned to the U.S. with the children, cutting off all contact with Meiling. With no English skills or financial support, Meiling was left behind in Taiwan. Stefany grew up being told her mother had abandoned them—a story she would later come to question.

As she matured, Stefany grieved not only the absence of her mother but also the loss of her cultural identity. Her father’s death in 2006 and a strained relationship with her stepfamily added to the trauma. Through it all, writing became her escape and eventually her calling.

After over 500 rejections, Stefany broke through with her debut novel, First Love Language, a deeply personal story about a Taiwanese-American teen searching for her birth mother—mirroring her own journey.

Then, on New Year’s Eve 2023, everything changed. A family friend in Taiwan helped reconnect Stefany with Meiling, sparking an emotional reunion 25 years in the making. Stefany flew to Taiwan in August 2024, where she instantly recognized her mother at the airport. The physical and emotional connection was undeniable.

For two weeks, they made new memories—celebrating birthdays, exploring Taiwan, and reconnecting as mother and daughter. Stefany later shared the journey with followers online, many of whom were deeply moved by her story.

In a powerful moment of reconciliation, Stefany’s adoptive mother Cindy also traveled to Taiwan. The two maternal figures shared a quiet mutual respect—each acknowledging the other’s role in Stefany’s life.

Inspired by the reunion, Stefany enrolled in Mandarin classes and was accepted to Chung Yuan University. She now plans to write a memoir that honors both her and Meiling’s story, aiming to amplify adoptee voices and heal generational wounds.

“I’ve already lost her once,” Stefany said. “Now, I don’t want any regrets.”