Out of the isolation and boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic came an unexpected friendship.

Last August, we connected readers in Chattanooga with those from one of our other 6AM cities — Asheville, NC; Raleigh, NC; Greenville, SC; Columbia, SC; Charleston, SC; or Lakeland, FL.

Seven months later, local reader Cassandra H. wrote to let us know that she and her pen pal Kara K. from Columbia, S.C., are still enjoying their friendship. It made our hearts so happy.

The duo connected despite distance and doldrums, writing roughly twice a month about everything from food to travel. Cassandra occasionally sends Kara photos of the sunrise from her porch. ☀️

✍️ What made you want to try the pen pal project?

Cassandra: I had a pen pal in the 5th grade...in Manchester, England and back then it was hard to get my parents to go to the post office to send air mail! It seems having a pen pal is a dying art, but everyone I tell about my pen pal seems to be so interested.

Kara: Truthfully, I joined because I was very bored in quarantine and I thought it would be something fun to do to build a sense of connection while everyone is so isolated due to COVID-19. I had no idea this would turn into such a great friendship!

✍️ Have there been any surprises from the process?

Cassandra: Kara is much younger than me so I thought she would get tired of me quick. She isn't much older than my children but we tend to find so many things to talk about.

Kara: … I guess I'm surprised to have made a long-distance friend out of something I signed up for on a whim!

✍️ What have you gotten out of being pen pals?

Cassandra: A very pleasant, unexpected friendship that is very unique. It's easy to keep up with a friend on Facebook but to get an actual letter and knowing this friend took time from their day to write you is special.

Kara: ...We share the exciting moments from our lives and also sometimes ask each other for advice. It's interesting to have an outside perspective on the things I am dealing with because she brings her own knowledge and wisdom into my perspective.

To be matched up with a pen pal, email us.

✍️ Poll

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