WATCH: Secunda man and daughter reunite after 52 years
The Ridge Times caught up with Ken and Michelle on their reunion and what they have been up to since meeting in person.
“It felt so natural and like we have never been apart,” were the words of Kenneth (Ken) Jacoby (79) and his daughter Michelle (55) when they met for the first time in 52 years.
The Ridge Times caught up with Ken and Michelle on their reunion and what they have been up to since meeting in person.
Michelle flew from Cape Town on February 22 for a week’s visit with Ken.
She had last seen her father when she was three years old. Her parents divorced in 1972 when they were staying in Durban and they had no contact since.
Michelle has been looking for Ken since she was 18. The search was difficult because she had no information about him.
She spotted Ken in a photo with an article on the Ridge Times’ website about a group of senior citizens ‘Dra Mekaar’. (See the full article here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XwEg3wCpT/)
Ken and Michelle are similar in personality, looks, and interests. One can describe them as mirror images. Although they may never make up for milestones and decades missed, the father and daughter are moving forward with their relationship and creating memories.
“I walked out and saw Dad straight away. We gave each other a tight hug, and he gave me a teddy bear,” said Michelle when she landed at Oliver Tambo Airport.
The last gift she received from Ken when she was three years old was a teddy bear.
Michelle said she was nervous before boarding her flight, however, their first encounter felt like a normal visit and not a 52-year separation.
“We have the same sense of humour and mannerisms. There is no undertone or expectation of getting to know each other,” said Michelle.
@ridgetimesnews #Secunda man and daughter reunite after 52 years.
“She will be my baby forever. She was a real chatterbox. Her first words were daddy,” said Ken.
He shared fond memories of Michelle as a toddler running down the driveway to meet him when he finished work and how he played ball with her.
“I have a family and a beautiful daughter who cannot do anything wrong in my eyes,” said Ken.
Ken had always been a loner, even as a little boy. He has his friends but prefers to be by himself. He thought Michelle did not want to know about him.
“When she told me she had been looking for me for all these years, it opened up a whole new world for me,” Ken said.
The words ‘I love you’ came from the father and daughter in the interview. Both have been open to each other about their troubled past.
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Ken had been homeless many times and was a recovering alcoholic for two years. Michelle said she settled in her mind that she was only a flight away from Ken.
“At least I know Dad is not in a flat alone by himself, but surrounded by people who love him, where he is safe, well looked after and cared for,” said Michelle.
“It had been 52 years since we had no contact, but it feels like we have always been in each other’s life. Although the search was lengthy, it feels like he has always been a part of my life,” said Michelle.
Michelle plans to visit Ken every three to four months. Her next visit will be with her partner, Ricky, for Ken’s 80th birthday.
She is also planning on flying Ken to Cape Town to visit her. A word of advice from Michelle to anyone looking for family is never to give up hope.
“We are blessed with the internet, compared to the old days,” said Michelle.
“To queue at Home Affairs takes long, but they do help. Put it out there on social media. Facebook is worldwide; someone will know of someone who knows someone,” said Michelle.
She said coming from a divorced family, there are always three sides to a story.
“There is always his side, her side and the truth.”
While having an open mind when trying to locate a family member, Michelle said to keep in mind there is a possibility that some may not want their past to be known.
“It is a fine line to tread. Do not have high expectations. There is a possibility of rejection, especially if the person has remarried and has a family.
“You must have emotional support if there is rejection. Surround yourself with people who are rooting for you,” concluded Michelle.
