Woman who got postcard sent in 1993 tracks down sender

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- An Illinois woman who recently got a 1993 postcard in her mailbox has tracked down the man who sent it to his children more than two decades ago.

Kim Draper's story about the mysterious Hong Kong postcard was published in The State Journal-Register in Springfield and picked up by The Associated Press.

Masrour Kizilbash sent the postcard to his family while working overseas in 1993. He told the newspaper he was "fascinated with the area" and wanted to share his experiences. At that time, there were no cellphones or internet and international calls were costly, so he instead opted to send postcards.

Kizilbash's family was living in Springfield at the time. He always figured they had received the postcard.

U.S. Postal Service officials said the card could've gotten tied up in Hong Kong or might've been stuck in old equipment.

Kim Draper poses for a photo with the post card she received.Justin L. Fowler ~ The State Journal-Register via AP

With the help of social media, Draper learned Kizilbash's son, Mohammad Kizilbash, now lives in suburban Chicago. A reunion with the postcard is planned.

"I thought that was really gracious of her, she went out of her way to track us down," Mohammad Kizilbash said. "I'm looking forward to getting this postcard. This is one to keep."

Draper would ideally like to appear with the Kizilbashes on a TV show to give them the card, but if that can't happen, she'll drive to Chicago and give it to them in person.

"I won't mail it. I don't want it to get back in the mail system, and I really want to meet them," Draper said.

"I am surprised about how the story has spread," she said. "But at the same time, it's heartwarming. I think it made people want to know the family and it's one of those cool stories that you want to hear the end."