Long-Term Pen Pals, Both 80, Reunite In Person After 68 Years

In a heartwarming tale that spans over six decades, two indomitable pen pals, Patsy Gregory from England and Carol-Ann Krause from New York, have finally transcended the distance that separated them and met face-to-face. 

At 80 years old, these lifelong friends have defied the constraints of time and geography, inspiring generations with their enduring bond.

A Remarkable Journey of Letters and Connection

Patsy Gregory and Carol-Ann Krause's friendship traces back to 1955, when they were both 12 years old. On opposite sides of the vast Atlantic Ocean, Gregory was a part of the UK’s Girl Guides, and Krause was involved with the American Girl Scouts.

"In the Girl Guides, I happened to get Carol-Ann’s name,"Gregory recounted. "We started writing and we never stopped. It’s as simple as that."

Their correspondence became a lifeline, bridging the oceanic gap and filling each other's lives with stories of school, relationships, and experiences. For 68 years, they exchanged more than 800 letters, embracing milestones and challenges as they navigated life's twists and turns. Marriages, births, and shared life stages unfolded with synchronicity, further solidifying their connection.

The Long-Awaited Meeting

As Gregory's 80th birthday approached, an unspoken desire to meet her friend in person grew stronger. She confided in her daughter, Steph Calam, who embarked on a social media quest to track down Krause's family.

The response was a resounding "yes" to the possibility of a meet-up. "I was more than happy to take her up on the offer. Our birthdays are only separated by a month," Krause expressed.

On her 80th birthday, Gregory received an unexpected gift: a ticket to Conway, South Carolina, where Krause now resides. The emotion was palpable as the two pen pals, separated for nearly seven decades, finally embraced on July 14.

"It was quite emotional—iit was lovely," Gregory shared. "It was just as though I’d seen her last week because we’d known each other for so long," she added.

Krause admitted to a bundle of nerves before the long-awaited meeting, confessing to the emotional intensity of the moment. However, their apprehensions were quickly replaced by warmth and excitement as they spent hours reminiscing and sharing stories.

The duo explored local sights and savoured meals together, rekindling a friendship that had always transcended physical distance.

A Similar Echo

Their heartwarming story evokes memories of another transcontinental friendship that stood the test of time. Last December, Celesta Byrne from the US and Geoff Banks from the UK celebrated their 100th birthdays together via video call after corresponding for nearly 84 years.  Their journey began in 1938, an era of handwritten letters and shared dreams across 5,000 miles, as part of an educational endeavour to connect American and British students.

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