After 43 years of correspondence, two long-time pen pals, one hailing from Newfoundland and the other from Singapore, finally met face-to-face this week. Sonya Clarke Casey expressed their enduring bond, sharing how they have shared both good and bad times through letters, always hoping for a meeting that felt like a distant dream. The friendship between Clarke Casey and Michelle Anne Ng began in 1983 when they were classmates in Grade 5 and continued through the years without interruption.
Reuniting in St. John’s, the pair delved into their collection of letters, filled with handwritten notes, drawings, and personal stories exchanged over the years. Clarke Casey chuckled as she read a letter from 1992, reminiscing about the weather and asking about boyfriends. Ng shared her love for the song “99 Luftballoons,” which Clarke Casey found delightful due to its length. These letters, taking weeks to travel across the globe, served as a cultural exchange that deepened their friendship over time.
As their lives evolved, the pen pals stayed connected through university, travels, and major life events. They transitioned to email and Facetime but continued sending handwritten letters, cherishing the tangible connection they provided. The anticipation of receiving a letter in the mail or learning new facts about each other’s lives brought them joy and excitement.
With a desire to meet in person intensifying over the years, Ng seized the opportunity to visit Newfoundland, resulting in an emotional reunion at the airport. The friends, overwhelmed with disbelief and happiness, embraced each other, marking the realization of a 43-year-old dream. Their first night together was spent reliving memories, highlighting the unique bond forged through letters.
Despite meeting in person, Clarke Casey and Ng affirm that their letter-writing tradition will persist, solidifying their friendship for years to come. The power of handwritten communication, bridging distances and fostering lasting connections, remains a cornerstone of their relationship.
The reunion of these pen pals serves as a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of friendship and the profound impact of heartfelt correspondence.