Reunion assignments can range from taking just a few minutes to several weeks. During this process, I often feel a deep connection with the families who open up and share their most personal thoughts and experiences. This week, I completed a unique search for a young man in the Philippines.
Matt, a 25-year-old college student, was searching for his father and sister. He hasn’t seen his father since he was left at the age of 18 months, when his father, an American soldier, departed. His sister, now 27, was taken back to the U.S. by their father when she was just 8 years old after concerns about possible abuse from their mother.
While I was unable to speak directly with Matt’s father, I did find some relatives who promised to relay my messages. Unfortunately, I learned that he has chosen not to maintain contact with Matt, and he also has no connection with his daughter, who now lives in Honolulu.
Fortunately, I was able to locate Matt’s sister, who, despite having some disabilities, possesses a remarkable memory of their past. She is eager to reconnect with her brother and shared that she remains in touch with her paternal grandmother. Encouraged by her, I reached out to the grandmother, who kindly allowed me to share her contact information with Matt. He fondly remembers the gifts his grandmother sent him during his childhood.
This search ends on a bittersweet note: a brother and sister on the brink of reunion, yet a father who may never come to know the son who longs for a relationship with him.