Elderly woman and teen who became pen pals during pandemic finally meet

By Faye Mayern via SWNS

An elderly woman and a teenage girl who became pen pals during the pandemic have finally met face-to-face.

Maureen Almond, 87 and Mia Emmett, 14, first connected over four years ago through a writing project.

Despite the 73-year age difference, the pair exchanged letters from Maureen's home in a retirement community in Cambridgeshire and Mia's home in Wymondham, Norfolk.

When the post slowed down during the COVID-19 crisis, they graduated to speaking on the phone, sharing details of their lives and becoming firm friends.

This month, they finally arranged to meet Maureen at Jubilee Court, her retirement community in March.

Maureen was "really excited" to see Mia, who traveled an hour and a half to visit.

She said: “I couldn’t wait to meet Mia and her family. When I heard about the pen pal program, I applied straight away.

"My late husband and I never had children ourselves, but we both came from large families and had a great affection for them.

"So, just before Covid, I was paired with Mia who was ten at the time.

“Over the years, we’ve covered everything from family and friends to school activities, and Mia’s little pets.

"I’ve shared stories from my own teen years, as well as my travels with my husband, who was in the armed forces.

“My husband passed in 2002, so I’ve been grateful for Mia’s companionship.

"I’ve treasured our chit chats and the laughter we’ve shared. Meeting her in person was incredibly special - I truly enjoyed spending time with her.”

When asked if she had any advice for other residents thinking about starting a pen pal relationship, Maureen said: “Just do it - you never know what new friends you might make.”

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