Lifelong Friendship: A Pen Pal Story 40 Years in the Making

One list. Two 6th-grade girls. 800 miles apart. Three items bought them a priceless 40+ year sisterhood. Pen. Paper. Stamp.

Dorine and I met through a pen pal list in a children’s magazine. “Peach”, as her family calls her, was one of the first people who asked if I wanted to be her pen pal. Yes!

We started handwriting letters and soon learned about each other’s hobbies, families, and favorite activities. A few months later, we exchanged our school pictures. Through writing, we saw our middle school hearts before we saw each other’s photo—seeing beyond the surface to what truly matters. BC. Before Computers. Before Cell Phones.

Building Lifelong Friendship Through Letters

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Meeting her on her wedding day was worth every bit of that 800-mile drive. I was there to celebrate her special day, yet she and her family made me feel like I was the honored guest. They enveloped me in love, welcomed me like a long-lost friend and shared countless hugs. She and her family gave me their stamp of approval, no postage required.

Two hands reaching across distance symbolizing lifelong friendship maintained over 800 miles

The Heart of Lifelong Friendship: Trust and Presence

Since then, we’ve exchanged adventures like raising children, relationships, discoveries and recoveries. We’ve only met in person three times in our 40+ year history, but our hearts meet frequently. We have monthly phone calls and still write snail mail letters.

Dorine has taught me about unconditional love and steadfast friendship, proving that meaningful connections transcend distance and time. We’ve faced life and death circumstances. At times, our communication has been limited but our trust and respect have remained unlimited. Any more words at this point would be overwhelming, so I close in thanks.

Peach, for all the letters we’ve penned. For all the calls we’ve made. For bridges of communication, I’m grateful God joined us as soul sisters. I believe the best for you, for me, for us. You’ve added value to my life!

To Renew in Harmony, Christina

Reader! Your turn!

Do you have a lifelong friendship that started in an unexpected way?

What helps you maintain meaningful connections across distance or time?

Kindly, leave your input so we can learn from each other.

Cultivating Lifelong Friendships That Last

Lifelong friendships like mine with Dorine remind us that meaningful connection doesn’t require proximity—it requires presence. I teach workshops on cultivating deeper relationships and authentic communication, sharing stories like this one wrapped in generous humor and heart. My “Laugh & Learn” sessions help audiences discover how to build and maintain the kind of connections that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re planning a retreat, conference, women’s event, or organizational gathering, I offer engaging talks that leave participants feeling energized, motivated, and encouraged to invest in their most important relationships.