In an emotional reunion, Terry Raymond Housley, a retired U.S. soldier, was reunited with Kanchana Milkevitch, a woman he helped raise as a child, after 48 years apart. The touching reunion took place in Buriram Province, Thailand, marking the end of a journey that spanned nearly five decades.
Terry, 72, had been stationed in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand, during the Vietnam War nearly 50 years ago. While there, he met Suphaphorn, a young woman who was pregnant with Kanchana. Although Terry was not Kanchana’s biological father, he formed a deep bond with her and helped care for her during her early childhood. Unfortunately, Terry had to return to the U.S. after the war, leading to their separation for nearly five decades.
Despite the separation, Terry and Kanchana kept in touch over the years. The reunion, however, was filled with emotion. In heartwarming footage, Terry, walking through a hotel lobby, was visibly moved as he said, "I'm sorry" upon seeing Kanchana. They shared a heartfelt embrace, with Kanchana presenting him with a red rose and a marigold garland.
Reflecting on her childhood, Kanchana said, "My biological father rejected us and left my mom when she was pregnant with me. I felt like my real father was Terry, who helped take care of me until I was a toddler."
Although their plans to meet again were delayed by the pandemic, Terry finally arrived in Thailand on July 31. He took a bus to Buriram, though his journey was not without difficulty, as he got lost along the way. With help from hotel staff, he was able to meet Kanchana. Their long-awaited embrace marked the start of a new chapter in their relationship.
Kanchana explained the bond she shares with Terry, saying, "Even though he is not my biological father, he took care of me from when I was in my mother's womb until I was one year old, so I felt a strong connection as if I were his child."
Looking ahead, Terry plans to stay in Thailand until August 21, where he will meet Kanchana's mother and continue strengthening their bond. Kanchana also hopes to visit Terry in the U.S. in the future.
This reunion is a testament to the enduring power of human connection, showing that even the longest separations can be bridged by love, resilience, and a willingness to never give up on those we consider family. The emotional story of Terry and Kanchana highlights that family is defined not just by biological ties, but by the care and affection we share over time, no matter how much time has passed.