Several months ago, I wrote about the letter I sent to my childhood pen pal in Ireland. Her name is Colleen. I addressed the envelope strictly from memory and wished it Godspeed.
Read about it here. (I didn’t send my blog post letter, in case there is confusion)
When I nervously wrote the more formal letter of inquiry, I included my email address. It was a definate leap of faith to send a letter across the ocean to an address culled from my increasingly fuzzy brain. I had all sorts of irrational worries regarding this letter. I just wanted Colleen to be healthy and happy, even if I never heard from her again.
About a month after sending the letter, I got an email from Colleen. The letter found her, forwarded by her mother who still lives in the same home. I consider it a small miracle.
We’ve become re-acquainted through emails. I recently received a Christmas card from Colleen, her husband, and her beautiful little son. She included a few photos. There she was, with the vibrant smile I always remembered, looking healthy and happy.
I am so glad I flung my worries to the side for a few minutes that day at the post office.
What a great story! How wonderful that you were able to find each other!
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WOW! That’s amazing.
Sooo cool!
I’m glad you shared that update with us! I’m finding as I get older that it’s important to let people know you’re thinking of them – without any fears of “what if they don’t remember me?” “what if they think I’m nuts for contacting them?” or “what if they don’t want to become reaquainted?”. I’m not saying these were YOUR fears, but they sure have been mine! But you know what? Life’s too short to not try reaching out.
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That is SO cool! Small miracle, indeed.
By the way, I awarded you a ROAR! award on my blog because I’d love to hear your writing tips. You have such a talent for writing!
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Oh for fun! I had a pen pal when I was younger named Debra. She had the same birthdate as me, which was fun. I don’t really remember when we stopped writing…
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Now that is cool.
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That is sooooo cool! I had a Czech pen pal when I was 11. We lost touch during a civil war in her country, so I don’t know anything.
I do have her old address and I know her name. Maybe I’ll do something similar. It’s just kinda hard to send mail to a country that no longer exist….
I’m glad yours had such a happy ending!
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So glad to hear you got a response. The world is a much smaller place with the internet. No more waiting long days/weeks for a letter in the mail. (Although that was part of the fun too.)
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That is AMAZING! How joyful.
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Wow. Who woulda thought?
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That is an amazing story, good for you for reaching out like that.
I had about a dozen penpals when I was about 12 – I often wonder about Jane, my first penpal, who lived in the UK. If I could figure out what I did with all her letters, I should give this a try.
Your blog is great!
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That’s so cool!
That’s amazing! How wonderful.
Hopefully she is reading your blog – Hi Colleen!
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Wow, how cool!! I bet she was thrilled and surprised to get your letter!