Virtual visit with long-distance son is Christmas wish come true for Hope Mills woman

A terminally ill mother's Christmas wish came true Thursday, when Elsie McAdams, 89, was able to visit, virtually, with her son serving a prison sentence.

Joseph McAdams, 65, went to prison 17 years ago for robbing a bank in New Jersey.

His mother has been unable to visit him since she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She's now in hospice care at the home of a granddaughter in Hope Mills.

With cooperation from family, the prison system and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., the pair hollered, sang and spent time together on a video call Thursday afternoon.

"I told him I love him and don't do nothing wrong. Come to God," Elsie McAdams said after their visit.

The New Jersey prison system did not allow WRAL News to record video of the visit, but the joy in their faces was apparent when Elsie and Joe McAdams saw each other on screen.

Granddaughter Wendy McAdams-Flores said the moment gave her butterflies.

"I could feel her spirit just want to jump through that screen" she said, "That just brought warmth to my heart."

Elsie McAdams said the visit brought her peace and joy.