When Jack Kelly saw his family off at Powell River airport, he never expected they’d be gone for so long. That was four months ago.
“It’s difficult for me to be away from them,” he said. “But it’s important and I want to be able to support their dreams. That’s what families do.”
Jack is a practical nurse in acute psychiatry at Powell River General Hospital, and he is better known in Powell River as one half of the “Kathaumixw couple.” His wife Ildiko, originally from Budapest, Hungary, came to Powell River twice with Hungarian choirs as a teenager. She sang as part of International Choir Kathaumixw, a world-renowned choral festival. On her second visit in 1988 she met Jack. He was “smitten,” and followed her around the province as her choir performed concerts.
This was a time before email and Skype. When Ildiko returned to Budapest, Jack wrote her letters and stayed in touch. After years of travelling between Hungary and Canada, the couple married in 1997. The Kathaumixw couple have two children Ildiko Jane,14, and Liam,11.
Extended periods of absence are nothing new for the couple. After the couple was married, Jack was accepted in a one-year practical nursing program in Newfoundland. He spent months away from his wife and young daughter.
“But through all the trials and tribulations,” he said, “we’ve stuck together and made it through. It makes us stronger.”
Ildiko and the children travelled back to Budapest this summer to visit her mother in what was supposed to be a routine visit.
“She phoned and asked what I thought about them staying a little longer,” he said. “Her mother needed some surgeries and she said she wanted to stick around and support her.”
Everyone has been so supportive, especially Ildiko’s students’ families and Powell River Academy of Music where she teaches piano, voice and early childhood music, as well as Powell River General Hospital, he said. “It says a lot about the community here. We’re honoured by their support.”
Ildiko Jane and Liam attend school in Hungary which gives them the chance to explore being half-Hungarian. Ildiko Jane’s in grade eight and takes classes in Hungarian and English. Liam’s in grade five and already is learning algebra in math class. Jack said they’re both flourishing in their new environment, but they miss their friends in Powell River.
In addition to soaking up the language, culture and music, Liam also plays hockey there. “Education, music and health are the focuses of our family,” said Jack. “The hockey is just for fun.”
Liam plays for Vasas rep team in Budapest at the Ice Palace and has an ex-KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) coach helping him to pick up his game. He’s going to attend a hockey tournament just after Christmas in Czech Republic.
With Christmas around the corner and no harder time to be alone, Jack bought a plane ticket. “I’ve been to Budapest several times,” he said, “but never at Christmas.” Although he won’t be able to stay for the rest of the year, he feels lucky to be with them for the holidays.
