Woman Reunited With Long Lost Family After 50 Years
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A woman who was kidnapped as a child was finally reunited with her long lost family after 50 years.
Jane Smith, 54, was taken from her parents in the Philippines by her aunt and uncle, who didn't have children.
Smith said she grew up thinking she was an only child.
"Just two weeks ago, 54 years… I thought I was an only child," she said.
That all changed when Smith's daughter found a blog online written by her mother's father about his missing child.
Unfortunately, both of Smith's parents passed away before they could find her.
Smith's aunt and uncle died without telling her the truth.
Her siblings, however, never stopped searching for her.
The family had a tearful reunion at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday.
"(It's) overwhelming," said Smith.
Madine Galinaeo, Smith's brother, said, "I'm speechless. I don't know what to say. It's been a long time."
The newly acquainted brothers and sisters plan to talk all night before they will show Smith the best of Los Angeles.
Next year, the family will fly to the Philippines where Smith will meet a dozen more relatives.
