After 43 years of exchanging letters, two pen pals, one from Newfoundland and the other from Singapore, finally met face-to-face this week. Sonya Clarke Casey shared that they had been corresponding through letters, sharing both the best and worst moments of their lives. They initially connected as pen pals in 1983 through a school program when they were in Grade 5 and continued writing to each other ever since.
The two women, Clarke Casey and Michelle Anne Ng, had a heartwarming reunion in St. John’s, where they went through stacks of letters they had preserved over the years. The letters contained handwritten messages, drawings, and updates on their lives. Clarke Casey shared a funny anecdote from a 1992 letter, mentioning the weather and asking about boyfriends, while Ng recalled a lengthy letter discussing her love for the song 99 Luftballoons.
Their friendship blossomed through a cultural exchange as they shared insights into their respective lives in Singapore and Newfoundland. Despite the distance, they remained close pen pals, supporting each other through significant life events like university, travels, and even pregnancies. They later incorporated modern communication methods like email and Facetime but continued to cherish the sentiment of handwritten letters.
As they met in person for the first time, both women were filled with excitement and emotions. Clarke Casey expressed her joy at finally meeting Ng after 43 years and reminisced about the special bond they formed through letters. The friends spent their reunion laughing, reminiscing, and rekindling their connection through shared memories.
Although they met in person, the pen pals affirmed their commitment to continue their friendship through letter writing, with Ng expressing her belief that their bond will endure as they grow old together. Their enduring friendship serves as a testament to the power of handwritten communication in fostering lasting connections across continents.