London Recap: The Reunion

We tracked down my mom’s long-lost friends after 50 years with just one Instagram Story

If you read last week’s post, you know London was a blast—but the real highlight? Hands down, reconnecting with my mom’s long-lost friends from over 50 years ago. But before we dive in, some backstory.

In 1969, my mom met Janice and Neville Chapman while visiting London over Christmas. They were at a restaurant, my grandpa couldn’t stop staring at how they were eating fish (lol), and somehow that sparked a conversation. One thing led to another, and the next night, my mom’s family was having Christmas dinner at the Chapmans’ house.

From there, they stayed in touch for about 15 years. The Chapmans even visited the U.S., and the families kept up the friendship. The last time they saw us, I was in a stroller—so, around 2 or 3 years old. And then, as it tends to go, life got busy. They lost touch.

Fast forward, over the past decade, my mom has been asking us to help find them again. But tracking down a Janice and Neville in Essex? Let’s just say... there are a lot of them. We tried everything—Googling, guessing, even calling out their names in random London crowds. Nothing.

On this most recent trip to London, I decided to get a little bolder. I friended a few women on Facebook and sent some messages. Crickets.

So, we do what any modern sleuth would do: post an Instagram Story. And guess what? You all came through.

Mia connected us to her husband’s friend Jamie (aka Janice and Neville’s son), who connected us to his wife Claire, who called Janice and Neville. Turns out, the Chapmans had just been talking about Cindy and Izzy the night before. Wild.

The next morning, my mom got a call from Janice and Neville! Cue the reminiscing. They caught up on old memories, filled each other in on the new, and remembered all of us—Jen, Noah, and me.

The only downside? It was our last day in London, so we didn’t get to meet up in person. But still—what a full-circle moment.

Even though we didn’t get to see them in person, the relationship is fully rekindled—everyone’s back in touch. I don’t think my mom has ever been more thrilled with the DRD community. She’s beyond grateful this came together the way it did.

Honestly, wild what a little Instagram Story can do.

I want to give a huge shoutout to Mia—the real MVP. She saw our Story and instantly sprang into action. Her husband’s from the UK, and as fate would have it, he knew the family. Within hours, she made the connection, and from there… everything just fell into place.

This trip was already so special, but this unexpected reunion made it unforgettable. It reminded me how powerful connection really is—whether it’s made over Christmas dinner in 1969 or through a DM in 2025. So, here’s to old friends, new memories, and the magic that happens when a community shows up.

Till next time

xx Dana