EDMONTON- A 90-year-old Breton man received what he calls the largest birthday present he’s ever been given; he was reunited with his daughter, 63 years after they were separated.
After serving in the second World War, George Impey fell in love and married a Dutch woman named Margaret. The couple moved back to Canada and had a child. But, two years later the couple split up and Margaret moved back to Holland with their two-year-old daughter Carla.
George’s sister, Effie Nanninga, kept in contact with Margaret for several years, but lost touch in the late 60s. But last year, with the help of Facebook, Effie discovered Carla had a daughter who lived in Rochester, New York.
She was able to contact the family, and much to her surprise, they agreed to come to Canada to meet George.
“They were coming to visit the daughter and they wanted to come to Breton to visit. Just that fast, they were so excited,” said Effie.
George was looking at photographs of his grandchildren when Effie broke the great news to George.
“I put my arms around him and I said ‘how would you like to have one more picture up there?’ And he said ‘what do you mean?’ And I said ‘you know, you have another daughter.'”
“When I heard they were coming over it just changed me all together,” George exclaimed.
After spending 63 years apart, George and Carla were reunited earlier this week. They spent George’s 90th birthday celebration together Saturday.
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- Canadian man dies during Texas Ironman event. His widow wants answers as to why
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
- ‘Sciatica was gone’: hospital performs robot-assisted spinal surgery in Canadian first
George says he’s always wondered about Carla, and always wanted to meet her, but says he didn’t want to bother her family.
“I always thought of the day that we would meet,” he said.
On Saturday, George was overcome with joy as he sat with his long lost daughter.
“Oh, I’m so happy I can’t explain it,” George said with a big smile on his face. “I’m all shook up. It kind of changed my life… Actually what it did was change my world.”
Carla doesn’t speak much English, but says she’s overwhelmed by the love his family has shown her.
“I have no brothers or sisters and now I have a big family.”
Carla’s daughter, Jessica Gallo, says her mom was nervous about the initial meeting, but says that changed the moment she saw her father.
“When they met it was a good moment,” she said. “I saw a different mom. I wish she’d have done this many years ago.”
It’s been a great week for the entire family. Carla and Jessica will both head home in a few days, but both George and Carla say they will keep in touch.
“She told me she lost him once, and not another time. She doesn’t want to lose him another time. She’ll definitely keep in touch,” Jessica said.
“Oh, I hope to keep in touch all the time,” George said.
“I’ll even phone her,’ he added with a laugh.
“I feel proud of it and I hope for the few days they are here in Canada, I hope they enjoy it and I hoped they made new friends.”
With files from Jenna Bridges.
Follow @CaleyRamsay
//
Comments