(fltr) Doreen, Martha, Roselien and Evelien with Kayle & Marlien in front
A momentous moment in the lives of a very special family happened in Lotusville on Saturday 21st November. Twin daughters Roselien Maree and Evelien Hendricks and their mother Martha Smit, met with their father Nick De Jager for the first time since 1985. Martha and Nick’s third daughter, Doreen Davidson was born shortly after Nick had left Rawsonville for Aberdeen, so she never met her father.
At that time, Martha made the decision to stay on the farm in Rawsonville and not to move to Aberdeen where Nick was now living and working, and eventually she moved from the farm with the three girls to work in a guest house ‘Rosendal’ in Stellenbosch, where she worked for 12 years. It was here that she lived with her three daughters educating them at Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch.
In 2008 Martha was now living in Cloetesville just outside Stellenbosch and she and her daughters decided to try and make contact with their father. As Martha’s health was not good, the family felt that this meeting should take place. With the assistance of the Aberdeen Police, Martha managed to make contact with Nick, and so a visit sometime in the future was planned.
Martha’s sister Katrina Smith received a wonderful bonus, which she gave to the family to sponsor their trip to Aberdeen. On impulse they made their plans and surprised their father Nick with a visit this past weekend.
Martha and her daughters, who were understandably nervous about the meeting, were overwhelmed by the wonderful reception they received from Nick and his family.
Nick made time to spend and bond with each of his daughters, and there was also a great grandmother to meet as well.
Another surprise for Nick was the two lovely granddaughters, Doreen’s Kayle and Evelien’s Marlien, both 7 years old.
Doreen, Evelien and Roselien feel completed and are filled with gratitude at being able to have this experience.
At that time, Martha made the decision to stay on the farm in Rawsonville and not to move to Aberdeen where Nick was now living and working, and eventually she moved from the farm with the three girls to work in a guest house ‘Rosendal’ in Stellenbosch, where she worked for 12 years. It was here that she lived with her three daughters educating them at Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch.
In 2008 Martha was now living in Cloetesville just outside Stellenbosch and she and her daughters decided to try and make contact with their father. As Martha’s health was not good, the family felt that this meeting should take place. With the assistance of the Aberdeen Police, Martha managed to make contact with Nick, and so a visit sometime in the future was planned.
Martha’s sister Katrina Smith received a wonderful bonus, which she gave to the family to sponsor their trip to Aberdeen. On impulse they made their plans and surprised their father Nick with a visit this past weekend.
Martha and her daughters, who were understandably nervous about the meeting, were overwhelmed by the wonderful reception they received from Nick and his family.
Nick made time to spend and bond with each of his daughters, and there was also a great grandmother to meet as well.
Another surprise for Nick was the two lovely granddaughters, Doreen’s Kayle and Evelien’s Marlien, both 7 years old.
Doreen, Evelien and Roselien feel completed and are filled with gratitude at being able to have this experience.
Article By: Joan Tinker