Searching For The Son I Gave Away When I was A Teenager | Lost And Found Only Human

A Sydney mother of six is desperate to find the son she was forced to give up as teenager. Then, hoping to find her father, a young women travels to Japan. This New Zealand documentary series sets about reuniting families, uncovering cultural identity and discovering lost family heritage.
Only Human celebrates and explores the unique and personal qualities we all have. Our channel offers a range of TV series and documentaries about human experiences and life journeys - while looking at the challenges life throws at us, turning ordinary people into everyday heroes.
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From: Lost And Found S1 E7
Content licensed from Warner Brothers to Little Dot Studios Network. Any queries, please contact us at: [e-mail]

[@deannacarter]

You can tell Peter holds a lot of hurt. Poor man

[@Mesem-tp7nx]

❤ he's an absolutely gorgeous sweet sincerst soul 🙌💝💚🌼

[@mellvee]

Peter broke my heart. Talk about adults letting a child down in the worst ways. He had to take care of himself from age 14 on? Awful. He was so stoic and sad. If I were her I wouldn't ever let him out of my sight again. She's so lucky he was willing to even meet with her. You can tell he was desperate for that connection. Everyone should have family who loves, supports and anchors them. It's terrible for those who aren't fortunate enough to have a good support system that loves and cares for them. I knew he was a good person when he said he'd been to his sister's grave "many times".

[@christinawells2024]

I can’t imagine the thought of one of my kids having to care for themselves with no one at 14. Breaks my heart.

[@user-ru9sp6xj7u]

And

[@GamerGodPlayz-vx6im]

It broke my heart for Peter what a brave young man, but those hugs were beautiful and real and I'm so glad they found each other now ✌️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@vickitomlinson5951]

I saw he was apprehensive. But i pray his family embraces them. My family even tho i know where they are I am better without them

[@anahidartinianjamgotchian3181]

I wish the father had told Leanne that he could not no longer take care of Peter and given him the chance to go back to his mom at 14. That was selfish of the father.

[@whybutwhy4137]

Peter the world is praying that your family grows closer and stronger everyday.

[@Sandi-zh2wx]

Yes, I can't stop crying! Peter, never let your mother go! She obviously loves you very much. If there's issues please talk them out. I know you've been hurt and on your own but you don't have to be alone now. Allow your mother to love you ❤❤❤

[@BlackStump172]

@@Sandi-zh2wxHer husband was an abusive pig .

[@afriend621]

Peter's Mom has a really wonderful and supportive husband, I can tell.

[@jennypalmer331]

Peter deserves every bit of happiness coming to him. Beautiful ending to a sad start in life. The Japanese connection was truly amazing

[@laurenbendik2006]

Emiko is so pretty and looks like her handsome dad! It’s cool she learned japanese so well

[@EagleArrow]

You can tell Peter is a good man and has a good heart. I pray for him to have a blessed life. 🙏 He looks like his Mom. He is handsome and I hope the best for him. I hope his past heals and he has a happy future with his family.

[@theoriginalbluey]

Peter is amazing. That sounds like a very tough childhood indeed, and I wish him a life of happiness.

[@Sandi-zh2wx]

God lord, I've literally bawled my eyes out. I hope his mother never let's go of Peter

[@CarmenDuke-qe9gu]

It sad when Peter said “a lot of friends are his family , apart from his son “

[@nillyk5671]

Emiko's father is so beautiful. I see why her mom fell for him.

[@FarhanAli-wh9jn]

I just love Peter. He is so loving and forgiving 🥰.

[@charlesmauritz]

Peter deserves happiness and he was open to receiving love and family.......

[@gemmaluescher-verseckas1243]

That was so narcissistic and abusive of Peters father. To basically kidnap the son then dispose of him when he had no need of him. And then leave him to defend for himself,and not let the son know his mom wanted him.

[@teijaflink2226]

Way too many parents who try to and even manage to steal the child from the other parent for narcissistic reasons and as revenge and not because they want the child. Why adults have to use their own children in this way

[@EagleArrow]

They do it most of the time so they don't pay child support. They block out what is best for the child as they only see $$$$.

[@jbwb_12369]

Yeah well maybe if his mother wouldnt hsve abandoned him at 5 she could have made sure that didnt happen

[@aitinsights]

@@jbwb_12369 she was 17, a minor herself and isolated. the father was horrid

[@jbwb_12369]

@aitinsights very unfortunate and totally not fair. I feel for her on that. Can understand why she got pregnant too early, why her relationship didn't work out and possibly why she lost custody. But leaving NZ? Nah...she should have stayed.

[@bettylocks9753]

The way Emikos boyfriend looks at her is just incredible! You can see just how much he loves and adores her!! ❤❤

[@SunShine-og4ux]

I hope she married him ❤️

[@alyssasmith9081]

I know! He's the star. Everything he says is so engaged in what things mean to her.

[@sherrylawrencelewis2544]

​@Su1nShine-og4ux 💯 ❤

[@clairejames8643]

The little sigh his mum makes when she holds him for the first time just broke my heart

[@susansilvey1614]

Abandonment is huge every foster child feels it and it permanently damages them

[@dalet9207]

All too many children abandoned, abused and neglected are damaged.

[@user-ik3pb6he7z]

Peter looks scared can't blame him abandoned twice that's gotta be tough hope she doesn't let him down

[@CocoLala84]

You can see the pain in his eyes❤. I hope he lives a good, healthy and rich life. He deserves all love coming his way

[@Selaithify]

Peter's story is so heartbreaking. I hope and pray that his future story that is being written is much more beautiful and is full of family and love and acceptance. He deserves that. I don't believe his mother is to blame and I do hope he is able to work through everything and build an unbreakable bond that they can both depend on for the rest of their lives. You can see how reserved he was but you can also see the hope alive in his eyes. Especially when he met his little sisters. The hope a child, even a sibling child, can bring a person is amazing and healing.

[@RosaBorg]

I don't blame her either. She was 17 & isolated & without support. I hope they can both find healing & build a better life.

[@20bluelilies]

@@RosaBorg She WAS 17, but 28 years!? New Zealand is not that far away, and then there's the internet. Maybe there were no cameras around before to make it worthwhile. I really hope she doesn't let him down again.

[@jbwb_12369]

Oh his mother is definitely to blame

[@Ver0_Cat]

The way Toshihiko and Emiko nervously put their hands behind them; they're so alike wow!

[@cotton-xb1xp]

No matter what, I will keep my child. Peter is so adorable. I wish him all the best .❤❤❤

[@bluecatjay5229]

Peter story made me cry! I don’t get emotional very often but this story hit me!

[@MM-Iconoclast]

Peter seemed like such a sweetheart. Good on the people (neighbors, etc) who looked out for him when he was young.

[@katewebber1131]

73 years old before I met any family, after many long searches. It's never too late.❤.

[@pollyannaprinciple5860]

Loved Peter's laugh. He is such a hunk. Sorry he was left to fend for himself at 14 years old. Seems to have raised himself well. In the end they truly looked like a family. Almost like his mother and her family filled a void. Emiko and her father seemed so similar in their body language and some of their mannerisms. They both seemed at peace with themselves by the end of Emiko's stay in Seattle. Glad it worked out for all fo them.

[@Hannah-jk3dk]

Peter brought my heart. Oh God hope he got released from trauma he had of rejection. Emiko wow she has a beautiful heart. I also love Emikos mother she is so forgiving

[@jukes243]

I'm surprised Peter met with his birth mother. Emiko is a beautiful young lady. Emiko's mum is awesome.

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

Both Moms just radiate. They are quite beautiful and had beautiful children. Many blessings for both families.

[@kathyrama4570]

Gosh, Peter so sad. Felt so unloved and unwanted. Hopefully, everything good happens for this family.

[@ClocloX]

Bless Peter I hope he recovers from this emotional madness, he was absolutely failed. I went through a similar situation and you just have no emotion to things.

[@leoniea138]

Such a nice guy ..sad past...he deserves so much better....

[@kmccarthy3760]

So happy for Peter to have found his family as his mum always had that little photo of him indeed .

[@tinkiebenadie3770]

Peter is such a loving forgiving guy... my heart goes out to you all ❤

[@erinnolan7213]

She better be committed to her son. He’s been through so much already. She kept talking about what SHE wants, not once taking about how HE might feel about it.

[@truerosie]

She is clearly committed to her family; she didn't know what he wanted, and of course he was asked.

[@sakura613]

She will be. She's not a selfish person. She was a child taken advantage of by an older man. Of course she's going to talk about her hopes, as it's her perspective she's being interviewed about.

[@afriend621]

Is this really what you wanted to say ?

[@calicocat8213]

Noticed the same.

[@truerosie]

How wonderful that Peter and his mother live in the same city, easy to be in each other's lives; and so great that her children and husband all embrace him. For what he's been through he seems a very decent person; a good big bro to those girls.

[@selinasuryavanshi5398]

He is so forgiving .

[@greenalien3857]

Peter seems like a nice guy, its a shame his mom abandoned him and he was left all alone. Good looking fellow i hope he finds someone that truly cares for him. He deserves a loving family.

[@carolmccullough-kuchar4782]

Poor child and mom. She went through so much and now we find out that he was also abandoned and had to fend for himself. Terrible situation but glad they found each other. She's so sweet and he's adorable.

[@angelaberni8873]

However poor that i might be,however desperate i could be,i could NEVER leave my child !!!

[@rustyhowe3907]

Excessively different I know, but I wouldn't even give up my dog when I was evicted so I simply can't fathom how such a 'caring' mother could abandon her child, I've met plenty of parents who starved themselves just so their kids could eat.

[@cherylhmackie]

I guess you weren't still a teen/young adult who had just lost her daughter, her custody rights and living without emotional/mental/physical support. Easy to judge when you arent walking through a dark valley alone. There are many reasons mothers give up their child, take adoption for example. Peter's mother sounded trapped and confused. As a mother of 3, who struggled with loss and mental health issues, I hold no judgement. My marriage remained, I stabilised and as a family we found a way forward. She had zero support, we are not designed to go through tragedy alone. Poor Peter though, he had a life he didn't deserve. A mother to unstable to care for him and a father that didn't seem to worthy of his title. I am glad the community cared about him.

[@elainesmith7512]

Both of these stories were excellent, especially Peter's story! I hope and pray these families will continue to grow in LOVE and GRACE. Thanks for sharing these lovely stories with us because they make me smile and feel good. 😊😊👍👍🙏🙏❤❤

[@mandyellis876]

My heart breaks for Peter.

[@MelDally-wc9rm]

This is sad story Peter had a difficult childhood and his dad abandoned him as a teenager and he didn't have a mum . He was all alone as a teenager and he had to support himself . He deserves to be happy he seem like a good guy . He finally was reunited with his mother, stepfather and sisters. Peter and his son finally have family who love them and want them.

[@fionabunker8756]

She didn't ask anything about him just what she wanted!

[@juliawitt3813]

I wonder if they have a team, of counsellors on hand at this TV channel. This is psychologically traumatizing an already traumatised person.

[@myrna...1877]

I am not moved to tears often, i learned to hide them. I absolutely ❤ this.

[@jmk1962]

So pleased for Emiko that it worked out well with her dad. How impressive that she learnt Japanese and spoke it to him in the video. Can't help feel sad that he didn’t own up to her earlier and he could have been a part of her life while she was growing up, but better late than never.

[@terriec808]

That boyfriend is a gem

[@saoirseblue5353]

Ninguna situación amerita abandonar a tu hijo. Estuve en una situación similar y preferí quedarme con mi hija antes de abandonarla. Un abrazo para todos estos niños que crecieron solos, les deseo lo mejor de esta vida.❤

[@MsBunnySF]

The greatest journey ever! Thank you David for your dedication to your people. I can’t get enough. Bless you

[@bliaxiong6439]

Damn, Peter had a rough life growing up. Cheer up Peter, hope things are better for you now!

[@alanalycan3986]

Terrible choice of venue, how can he feel comfortable showing emotion surrounded by strangers and noise struggling to hear his Mother's message 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@JennHolt]

I hope that Peter is able to heal from some of the loss he suffered and to feel loved.

[@blancabulgrin5560]

Both stories brought tears ,I also have a son doesn't know his father who was not happy about pregnancy .my son would like to know him,He send a certified letter but no response.I know my son will never meet him it breaks my heart.

[@sophirichmanfletcher4657]

Don't give up....we never know what is going on in someone else's life... Was the letter signed for? Do we know who actually signed for it? If the distance is not a barrier, your son may want to go in person. I did that with my oldest half brother, and I would have never met him at all had I not just showed up. His wife and son were not pleased at all. 🤷‍♀️

[@markhooper4532]

Winnie Wallace.... Yep, I cried....Peter and his Mom. Just how it should be.

[@katewebber1131]

Sad this was on camera, he could not or was unable to react. You can see the wariness in his eyes, and I don't blame him.Hope happiness stays in your life forever Peter.

[@vavavoom6816]

Peters 'mummy' should put more effort in many years earlier. Why can she look for him 10-15yrs ago? she dont feel guilty enough fir what she has done

[@rustyhowe3907]

My own mother took one brief look at her and said "She's probably looking for someone to care for her in old age seeing no man she pops kids to stays around, who knows how long the current one will".

[@marionward7672]

This one really got to me. What a Schmidt Peter's dad was. To force his wife to sign over their son to him and then abandon him when the whim took him is despicable. All those wasted years when he could have been with his mum. Glad he knows the truth now and hope for a happy future for them all. Except Peter's biological dad

[@verairemonger1260]

What lovely people. I'm so glad they've made these journeys. I've been there myself.

[@ooievaar6756]

Been in NZ once (in 2001) beeing Dutch. The poverty (in contrast to Australia - and Europe even more - at the time) struck me. Wooden houses, low salaries, empty shops, houses wih no paint, not much perspectives economically, sheep and sheep and tourism. It is quite a different country, though it is beautiful and good to live in. Australia felt more vibrant to me, more lively. Leanne left to save herself, what could she do at that age ? He went to his sister grave many times, beautiful and very sweet ! The presentator is very empathic and is a very important key figure to achieve things ! He searches "eye contact" and listens very well, in a respectful way. Family (if good) are the ones who love you unconditionally, friends have conditions. People who are hardened (his words) are just as emotional, but just needed the protection. He has grown into a beautiful person ! He is pretty and wise. Brave her new husband supported her, he is a great guy as well !! And 4 new sisters looking up to you and loving you ! that must be cool !!

[@mandyellis876]

Wooden houses were the norm in NZ from the early settler days, when huge forests full of native trees were felled to provide timber for shops and homes. There’s nothing that screams ‘poverty’ about living in a wooden home…they’re way more beautiful and have so much more integrity and warmth than a brick and tile one. It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t see past this ‘poverty’, which is no more or less there than you’d find in any European country, and find the vibrancy of the cities and the beauty of the countryside, the mountains, forests, beaches, coastline too…all without things that’ll kill you, unlike Australia! Sadly it appears as though your trip was a complete waste of time!

[@geoffpoole483]

New Zealand's greatest point is it's not Australia.

[@lesleywilliams1210]

Wooden houses are probably less likely to collapse and kill you on the “Pacific Ring of Fire” areas prone to earthquakes.

[@ViOhsa]

I am so happy for him... a family & 4 sisters,at last ❤‼️

[@melanieallen8980]

I loved how the Japanese dad had hes hands behind hes back like hes daughter, both being nervous❤

[@joyasher3756]

How selfish for his father to basically kidnap him and then abandon him and not even leave contact information or himself contact the Mother. I hope he stays present in his sons life along with staying in this new found warm family.

[@deannaharless4726]

That's heart breaker and may god bless her and i hope she finds him and our prayers are with her and i know what she is going through because I gave up my kids because I couldn't take care of them 😞😞 and I still think about my kids

[@nevillepitout1374]

What a tear jerker. Glad they together. Family is everything ❤️

[@suerichards47]

Peter seems a lovely man and the hurt shows. How did it take her so long and this guy found him in an instant

[@maricarpayumo5289]

What an incredible story of mother and son finding each other ❤

[@teresaf.7234]

Sweet! Mom and son share the same type of giggle!

[@genniejefferson6588]

He’s very handsome and seem to be a good person. Are they still in touch?

[@Mary-LuzHinch]

This young guy is so hurt that hes disconnected....abandoned by both parents and became homeless at fourteen....hes such an inspiration

[@jacquelinesommerville1617]

Unless you have been in a controlled, toxic relationship you won't understand how in the first one the mum could leave her son she didn't want to it was out of her hands and she was very vulnerable being pregnant things were different back then and toxic people lie , I was in a toxic relationship my ex threatened to take my kids but when I did leave I left with my boys I was lucky I was believed don't judge someone ever you don't know the circumstances good luck to Peter and his wonderful mum and family

[@azucenanajera2295]

I agree! It breaks my heart to see these people throwing stones at her. She was also 17 and he was in his 20s…an ESTABLISHED ADULT. I don’t care what the age of consent is in other countries but, that is still young enough to be taken advantage of and abused. The people in these comments have either never been through this or they don’t know of anyone who has been through this. Toxic relationships can really take a toll on people, especially those trying to find their way.

[@jacquelinesommerville1617]

@@azucenanajera2295 absolutely I was in a controlled abusive relationship 6 years ago I have healed from some of it but not all of it

[@selinasuryavanshi5398]

Such a happy post . So refreshing

[@amylou22snowhite]

Peter has so much love waiting for him! I hope they are able to create their own family.

[@vickivictoria1626]

I wish somebody would pay for a headstone for her baby Natalie.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

The mom had many years and 3 husbands to buy one.

[@virtuousmountainwoman]

Peter’s “shell” is well understood. I wish them all the best as time unfolds. 🎉❤

[@melanieallen8980]

loved this video! cried my eyes out.❤

[@karenharrison2858]

First time I've watched this really enjoyed this thank you for sharing this

[@martasila5996]

Praise God! We rejoice with you.

[@ildikoparker920]

She says family is everything to her yet she had 6 kids and only 30 years later she wants him. You know what you can do

[@rustyrules4264]

I’ve never understood women who give up a child then go on to have more.

[@Ponkelina]

she had been searching for him for many years Listen to the video again

[@southernpride2003]

My mom was 13 when she had my first brother then she was 14 when she had me and then 16 when she had my other brother and 18 when she had my sister and other brother She was a great mom howdy from North Carolina

[@shirleybezuidenhout2724]

Such a sad story 😢 luckily with a happy ending. I hope they can blend and be happy for ever after. 😊😊

[@laughingallthetime50]

Heartbreaking that a 14 year had to look after himself. Thank goodness he had good neighbours. What a wonderful outcome for Peter and his Mum. He has his forever family now.

[@shayleenjoubert2008]

"My Son my BEAUTIFUL Boy.".. its like the return of the prodical Son from the Bible.❤so blessed so touching. So glad you found eachother.May you always have JOY🎉, LeeAnn. Im in tears🎉🎉🎉

[@mywildflower-theadventures313]

Beautiful story ❤❤❤. I also love Seattle. I cried watching this.🇺🇸🇵🇭

[@gretaetiterngel7233]

So touching story. Great reunion for the family

[@Grace-vk3jd]

LORD I PRAY FOR HER. HELP THEM TO BE UNITED WITH THEIR LOVED ONES❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tina5601]

What a lovely Woman.....had to wait 28 years for this most beautiful gift to oh Lord I'm so so happy for you. May God bless all of you throughout your lives❤❤❤

[@meritonhirochema4537]

Oh my GOD, i keep crying for them. But tears of joy for them. God bless you❤❤❤

[@gabe-po9yi]

Let’s face it, Emiko’s father didn’t stay in touch because he didn’t want to. “Too complicated”

[@equality_is_not_equity1010]

It was fear and shame that kept him from reaching out.

[@rustyhowe3907]

Anyone else smelling green cards or is it just me? Seems like he dumped his daughter to not seem like a pump n dump dude to his new boo.

[@knowledgeisablessing8767]

He definitely didn't want that situation jamming up his plans.

[@calicocat8213]

Wasn't committed to the relationship from the beginning, both (Emi's mom and Toshi) treated the whole thing rather casually.

[@matildamawele8603]

This is very emotional

[@trinadingus2634]

Aaww I also wanna hug Peter 🤗 Tears streamed from my eyes with every hug he received. God bless this family ❤️

[@crystalkeffer2608]

I feel so sad for this man! Sending prayers to all

[@exdus235]

Very sorry, but I had to turn it off after the first segment. The background music is quite unpleasant. Such a nice program but such lousey choices on the post production.

[@tirzhaprinsloo2774]

This is awsome that he had found again his mother I hope they will give him lots of love.

[@rozharris6407]

The background music to this video is so distracting, I can hardly hear what they are saying 😢

[@nillyk5671]

Some selfish person chose the music that they like but not the music that matches the theme and the feelings. This is why I hardly watch this show or skip it. I get a headache from it.

[@priscillasaravia]

@@nillyk5671 I just commented the same thing. It’s horrible, makes me not even want to look for further episodes.

[@CoralSurtees]

She abandoned him.....last seeing him at 5 years old...........but then I never walked in her shoes...poor kid

[@jeanlanz2344]

Thank God Peter is with his family who are so happy to be with him finally. After all the suffering he's been through, it's great he is with his family. And thank God that Emiko and her father reunited. Her boyfriend is very supportive and her brother is very caring to their Mom. God bless you all.

[@lisaglassford9574]

What a loving caring husband. Awe. ❤

[@aliciaaldarondo4535]

Total tears going down my eyes. So glad for this family. Hopefully they will eventually live in the same city together like a family. Great ending ❤

[@rosalindbarrett-scott9428]

This is God sent them back together God bless you all

[@gretaetiterngel7233]

So happy after 28 years Peter got to meet his mom n the rest of siblings