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In a heartwarming yet complex story of family and identity, Gao Yang, who was lost at age 3 in China and later adopted by a Dutch couple, recently achieved a significant milestone: earning his PhD.
Gao Yang's story begins in 1993. At the age of 3, Gao was traveling with his parents from their hometown in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, to visit his grandmother in Sichuan. During a transfer at Chengdu railway station, Gao was inadvertently separated from his parents. In the chaos, he wandered off, and despite his family's desperate search efforts, he was not found.
Gao’s father spent two years in Chengdu, tirelessly searching for his lost son. He exhausted all his savings and eventually had to walk back to Xuzhou. The sorrow of losing his son weighed heavily on him, ultimately contributing to his illness and eventual death. Gao's mother suffered a mental breakdown and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Fortunately, a kind-hearted stranger found Gao and brought him to a children’s welfare center in Chengdu. After a year in the orphanage, a Dutch couple adopted him. Gao grew up in the Netherlands, where he received love, support, and a well-rounded education. His adoptive parents treated him as their own, encouraging him to explore a variety of interests, from playing the piano and oboe to practicing judo. Gao describes his adoptive parents as warm and caring individuals who provided him with a happy childhood and helped him achieve academic excellence, ultimately leading to his PhD.
“I am very grateful to them,” Gao shared in an interview. “They often took me on trips, allowing me to see the world and experience different cultures.”
However, despite his gratitude, Gao began feeling a deep sense of longing. By the age of 13, he became acutely aware that he was different from those around him and began wondering about his origins.
Gao's quest to find his biological family started in 2007 when he first returned to China to search for his parents. Over the years, he tried multiple methods, but each attempt ended in disappointment. It wasn’t until 2023 that a DNA test finally confirmed his biological connection to his parents in China, concluding a search that spanned 16 years.
Though thrilled to have found his roots, the reunion came with bittersweet news. Gao’s adoptive mother had passed away just before his search succeeded. “My adoptive mother always supported my desire to find my biological parents,” Gao said. “I regret that she wasn’t here to witness this moment.”
Nevertheless, Gao remains close to his adoptive father, affirming that this connection is unbreakable. “He is my father,” Gao stated firmly, emphasizing that meeting his biological family does not alter his bond with the man who raised him.
The story has sparked significant discussion on Chinese social media, with many users praising Gao's courage and resilience. Comments on popular platforms reflect mixed emotions, from admiration for his loyalty to his adoptive father to empathy for the hardships his biological family endured.
One user commented, “Gao's adoptive parents are incredibly noble for raising him with so much love and supporting his search. They are true parents in every sense.”
Another netizen wrote, “I can't imagine the pain his family must have gone through, especially his father. This story is a reminder of how life can be both cruel and beautiful.”
Some users also reflected on the importance of family and identity. “It's natural to want to know your roots, but it's clear that love goes beyond blood relations,” one comment read. Another user shared, “This story shows the complexity of family ties. I hope Gao finds peace and happiness with both his families.”
Source: Phoenix News
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