Imagine maintaining a friendship for over four decades through nothing but handwritten letters—no texts, no emails, just pen and paper. That’s exactly what Sonya Clarke Casey from Newfoundland and Michelle Anne Ng from Singapore did, and this week, they finally met in person for the first time. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: their story isn’t just about letters; it’s about a bond that transcended time zones, cultural differences, and the digital age. And this is the part most people miss—how something as simple as a letter could sustain such a deep connection in a world obsessed with instant communication.
Their journey began in 1983, when both girls were in Grade 5, paired through a school penpal program. What started as a classroom assignment blossomed into a lifelong friendship. For 43 years, they shared everything—from the mundane details of daily life to major milestones like pregnancies, travels, and life changes. Sonya recalls drawing maps of her local swimming pond in Carbonear, while Michelle sent newspaper clippings about teen fashion in Singapore. They even exchanged excitement over global events, like Sonya’s thrill at seeing Prince Charles and Diana visit her town.
But here’s the controversial part: in an era where friendships often fade with a single unfollowed click, their commitment to snail mail feels almost radical. Is there something inherently more meaningful about a handwritten letter compared to a quick text or email? Or is it simply the consistency and effort that matter? Let’s discuss in the comments.
As they grew older, they incorporated emails and Facetime into their communication, but the letters never stopped. “There’s nothing like a letter in the mail,” Sonya reflects. For Michelle, receiving that first letter from Newfoundland was “exhilarating,” a feeling Sonya mirrored as she eagerly awaited her dad’s return with the mail each day.
The idea of meeting in person had always been a dream, but it wasn’t until recently that it became a reality. When Michelle finally arrived in St. John’s, Sonya greeted her with a handmade sign at the airport. “We just gave each other a big hug and said, ‘I can’t believe it,’” Sonya recalls, her voice filled with emotion. Their first night together was spent laughing and reminiscing over stacks of letters—some written in cursive, others adorned with drawings and notes.
But here’s the real question: does meeting in person mark the end of their letter-writing tradition? Not a chance. “Nothing’s going to stop us from writing to each other,” Michelle declares, and Sonya agrees, envisioning their friendship lasting “all the way through to when we grow old together.”
Their story is a testament to the power of patience, consistency, and the written word. It’s a reminder that in a world of instant gratification, there’s still magic in waiting weeks for a letter from across the globe. So, what do you think? Are handwritten letters a relic of the past, or do they hold a unique place in fostering deep connections? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
