Father Son Reunite after More Than 21 Years

Today, Gary Burton is a newspaper editor at the Siloam Springs Herald Leader, so he knows a good story when he sees one. However, back in 1988, Gary was in the army and was based in Virginia. A relationship with a woman on the base led to a son named Matthew.

The boy and father who never had met, finally found each other, years later, through Facebook.

Burton says the big break on this story came after finding the adoptive mother.  The birth mother gave Matthew up, and he was eventually adopted by a great family in Virginia.

Around the time Matthew turned 21, he began working to lean more about his past.  Years ago, the father and son may never have found each other, but thanks to Facebook, it wasn’t long until Matthew moved to Siloam Springs.

It turns out; they’re like to peas in a pod.   Matthew Foster says he already can see his interests are in line with his newfound Father.

“Our interests and commons have been extremely high. We try and spend as much time as we can together,” said Matthew.

After they reunited Burton found out that, like him, his son likes to work on cars and tractors. The DNA runs deep and people around town are already doing double takes.

Matthew is certainly a chip off the old block. Now, after all those years apart they’re only a few blocks away.   Matthews Foster chalks it up to good luck, good genes, and Facebook.

“I mean Facebook helps a lot of people get together.  I’m sure if it wasn’t for Facebook we would have found another way to get connected. I knew I was adopted and if I had family out there I’d meet the sooner or later.’’

But you never know. Matthew is now settling into his new hometown with his Dad there to help him, every step of the way.