A couple months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the person that made this blog possible. My friend Karen and I first exchanged letters 8 years ago. I had no idea what to expect, but I can honestly say that we got along from day 1. Even though we didn’t have much in common, and come from completely different backgrounds, we vibed from the first day.

The friendship naturally evolved due to consistency. Even where there was nothing new to report, we somehow managed to not get tired of each others nagging!

When Karen first told me about her plans to visit, I must admit I immediately got nervous. Even though we got along all these years, you never know what to expect when meeting someone in person for the first time. What if we didn’t vibe in person? What if our differences were an issue all of a sudden? I tend to over think things and I was in my own head. I’m also nervous because I can’t hide it or fake it – if I’m not having a good time, I wear my emotions on my face and there’s no way to avoid it.

Then the day came. It did get off to a frustrating start. Of all the days, there was major issues with the prison being short of staff, and top of issues with the count. There’s no movement in the prison until every person is accounted for, and some days that can take a couple hours. Today was one of those days. They eventually got it all sorted out by midday. I was ready by 9am, so I’m in my head again, wondering what’s going on or if there was a change of plans.

Anyways, we’re finally face to face. I know that it’s been a long day. I wouldn’t know how bad it was until they told me, but Karen and her daughter Maya still greets me with a smile. The nervousness immediately disappears and it’s like any casual meeting with friends. It’s so true what they say about time flies when you’re having fun because the time flew by and the time for goodbyes came.

It was such an amazing experience, an experience I’ll never forget.

One thing that really stuck with me is the relationship between Karen and her daughter Maya. They have something special. I could’ve watched them go back and forth with each other and be okay with that.

With that being said, I’m so thankful to have met both of them and I will remember that day for as long as my memory allows me.