Marine Surprises Stepdaughter With Adoption Papers

A doting Marine left his stepdaughter speechless when he surprised her with adoption papers that were hidden in her sports team's backpack. Ariane Yocum, 12, thought she was receiving a new travel bag from the volleyball team she plays for when stepdad Drew Yocum, 32, presented it to her in the family's Palm Harbor, Florida, home. But as the emotional video shows, following some initial rummaging inside the backpack, Ariane began pulling out the items, like kneepads, which she assumed were associated with her team. Then, however, a perplexed Ariane pulled out a piece of paper that was tucked in one of the pockets and, on further inspection, the speechless 12-year-old turned open-mouthed to Drew and simply said, "Adopted?!" Drew said he has always felt like a father to Ariane, known as Ari, having raised her since she was a 2-year-old. The loving stepfather joined the Marine Corps in 2010 and married Ariane's mother, Ashley, 33, after completing boot camp. Since then, he has not only been Ariane's stepfather but also her volleyball and basketball coach since she was 5 – and so a backpack of sporting gifts seemed like a rather normal present for young Ariane ahead of the big reveal. Drew said he struggled to hold back the tears during his October 24 surprise. Mom Ashley admitted that she and Drew have struggled to have children of their own following a series of miscarriages and so, to Drew, Ariane is his, no matter what the blood.

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VideoID: TT-4496

[garystefan]

This is so inspiring. I'm putting my kids up for adoption tomorrow so they can have the same experience.

[Dronzer]

This was not just about adoption papers. It was also, the fact that he waited till she was 12 so that she can have a say in it. That is the best dad ever.

[rosson]

I love the fact he had the respect for his daughter to give her the choice. What a man, and his daughter seems like she was stoked.

[phantomphixer]

I adopted my step daughter when she was 9. Greatest thing I ever did in my life. She'll be 38 this year and we still celebrate adoption day every year.

[dlanigeragehs]

His 12-year wait for her to have a say makes him more than the dad that stepped up. He literary holds pure and genuine love for his daughter.

[mailtome]

He is a true marine. At such emotional moment, he still cares to fold her socks neatly...

[rachelanderson]

him asking her if she’s sure this is what she wants….love at its most vulnerable

[DivineFalcon]

The way she bolted to find something to write with was truly heartwarming.

[ICGvids]

I adopted my son years ago. This guy did it right he let it be her decision just like I did with my son.

[richardhuff]

This dad is totally a first class act!!

[oliverjackson]

It probably makes a huge difference. She knows he loves her & that he's not going anywhere but knowing he is your dad officially must be a huge subonscious relief.

[chamamemestre]

Marines even save single moms. Amazing work.

[notnoel]

Strictly a formality because he clearly has been a great father to her for many years. She loves him and her excitement to be his official daughter was awesome to witness. Thanks for sharing.

[glennbriggs]

After our father was killed in 1942, our mother would not care for my two sisters and me. Seeing our plight in a very bad family scene, in an event of huge importance, a childless aunt and uncle adopted all three of us. We went from a chaotic, Godless situation, we became beloved parts of a blessed environment that determined our futures.

[agnieszkaogonowska]

The fact that he waited until she will be old enough to decide and didn't want to decide for her makes it even more special. This is like next level parenting.

Also the bond they have you can see it is filled with so much love, respect for another person and freedom. She is so geniuinly suprised in the sweetest way that is not done yet.

[toddwhitmire]

Hey dad, good job. You're a real man to do what you did to make a little girl feel so incredible. World needs more guys like you.

[null]

I love her reaction, not only did her jaw drop, but the backpack too!

[evenfingers]

I love the fact that, she immediately races to get a pen, to make it a done deal, “NOW”…
That there isn’t any question that you are my Dad!

[alhubal]

What a beautiful daddy and step daughter love. Best part was when he hugged and kissed her

[jansean]

I love that she was so eager all she could think about was jumping up and running to get something to sign it. So touching. She loves you with all her heart Daddy. Good job.