HOUSTON – A Houston family is counting their blessings after being reunited with a long-lost family member. But it was a bittersweet encounter.
It began when 11 News interviewed Jerome Wilganowski Wednesday afternoon and talked to him about next week’s Thanksgiving Day feasts for the needy.
The following morning, Henry Wilganowski and his wife, Joan, came to the 11 News studios claiming Jerome Wilganowski was their family member.
The pair said they received phone calls from friends who saw the interview. Henry Wilganowski watched the video at the 11 News studios and knew right away it was his brother.
“My poor mother. She’s been waiting for 25 years. Her birthday is tomorrow, too. She’s 90,” said Henry Wilganowski. Jerome, or Jerry, is the youngest of five boys and has a wife, a daughter and two grandkids he’s never met, said his brother.
Henry Wilganowski said his brother simply got on bus 25 years ago and disappeared. In an effort to help, 11 News took the Wilganowski couple to the area downtown where 11 News reporter Ron Trevino met Jerome.
A family reunion happened right before our camera, but it was painful.
Henry Wilganowski: “You know who I am?”
Jerome Wilganowski: “No, sir.”
Henry Wilganowski:“You don’t? Well, I’m your brother.”
Jerome Wilganowski: “I’m not your brother.”
Henry Wilganowski: “OK, that’s fine. I believe you. I believe you. Would you like to see your mother?”
Jerome Wilganowski: “I have no mother.”
Henry Wilganowski: “OK, can I walk with you?"
Jerome Wilganowski: “No.”
Henry Wilganowski and his wife they tried to get close to Jerome Wilganowski, but he wouldn’t have anything to do with them.
“He knew my maiden name, it’s him,” said Joan Wilganowski.
“I know it’s him. I’m just gonna go walk with him a little, OK,” said Henry Wilganowski who tried several times to get close to his brother.
“I’m finished with you, and don’t walk behind me,” said Jerome Wilganowski. “I don’t want you walking behind me, and I’m finished with you, now git.”
Henry Wilganowski said his brother suffered from schizophrenia as a young adult and needs medication.
“I don’t know. You wish everything would work out good,” he said, sobbing.
Henry and Joan Wilganowski called police hoping to get Jerome Wilganowski help, whether he wanted it or not.
But after a member of HPD’s Crisis Intervention Response Team interviewed him, Jerome Wilganowski was left alone.
HPD officers said Jerome Wilganowski was mentally ill, but not ill enough.
“He’s not a danger to himself or anyone else right now. He just wants pretty much to be left alone,” HPD Officer Eric Chimny.
Police say all they can do is keep an eye on Jerome Wilganowski, and his family plans on doing the same thing. They also hope to get him help.
“(I) wish him the best. It’s hard to see your own brother like that,” said Henry Wilganowski.
Despite the painful reunion, Jerome Wilganowski’s family is happy that he is alive.
