A tough-looking bearded stepdad in Macon, Georgia could not control his emotions after being surprised with adoption papers from his step-son.

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Blake Wilson, a 34-year-old salesman, got the surprise of his life from his stepson that made him break down in tears. Tyler Dukes, 20, gave his father a stash of gifts placed in a wicker basket that included cans of beers and a framed picture of with a touching personal message.

Little Things featured the touching story and wrote about Tyler’s “wonderful tribute” to his stepdad. The message said, “Some people would say you’re not my real dad, but we know this isn’t true. For you’ve been a real dad to me in all the things we’ve been through…”

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Blake, almost in tears because of the message, slowly flipped the frame only to realize an envelope was attached at the back of the frame he was holding. He checked to see what the paper inside was and became so emotional that he broke down in tears.

Inside the envelope was an adoption paper for his stepson. Tyler’s mom, Angela Wilson said that Blake has been a father figure to his son “since he was 13, so they’ve been extremely close. You couldn’t tell they weren’t biological.”

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Story Trender reports Angela saying, “Last year he (Tyler) came to me and told me he wanted it to be official and legal and that he wanted Blake’s name … We had never really discussed it with Blake (who) was already his dad in every other way.”

Angela also mentions that Tyler’s “biological father hasn’t been around and hasn’t seen him in years.”

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This just goes to show that you do not have to be a biological parent to be a dad. Tyler’s message to his ‘now father’ says it all. “Although we’re not tied by bloodlines, the love and trust you’ve given me is a precious gift.”