“Reunion After 30 Years: US Woman Finds Long-Lost Singaporean Pen Pal”

Firsthand is a new content pillar by Mothership, showcasing in-depth articles and videos about people in Singapore and their stories. We aim to explore significant issues by experiencing them, gathering expert opinions, and hearing the perspectives of young Singaporeans.

In a remarkable tale of friendship transcending distance and time, Julie Kelly, a U.S. citizen, has rekindled her connection with a man surnamed Cheng from Singapore after losing touch for three decades. The two began exchanging letters in 1983 when they were just teenagers, but their correspondence faded after ten years.

Now 55, Kelly has embarked on a mission to find Cheng, actively appealing for help on social media to locate him. Her story captured the attention of Mothership after a tip-off from a Facebook group admin, prompting an exploration of this heartfelt quest.

A Teenage Connection:
Kelly reminisces about how they first connected when she was 15, inspired by a pen pal program her English teacher introduced. She paid US$1 to join, leading to her receiving Cheng’s details. The thrill of exchanging letters with someone across the globe opened her eyes to different cultures and experiences.

Their correspondence flourished, with letters detailing their daily lives. Cheng’s first letter described his routine as a student in Singapore, sharing his interests and aspirations, while Kelly expressed her excitement about learning from him.

Life Changes and Lost Contact:
As their lives progressed, their communication dwindled. Kelly moved houses and later entered a tumultuous marriage, which made her lose touch with her past. The last letter she sent was in 1994, inviting Cheng to her wedding—a significant moment that marked the end of their regular exchanges.

Years later, after the passing of her mother in February 2023, Kelly stumbled upon a box filled with Cheng’s letters. This discovery reignited her desire to find him and learn about his life over the years.

The Search for Cheng:
Determined, Kelly launched an extensive search online, scouring social media and reaching out to potential contacts, but to no avail. Her appeals in a local Facebook group for residents of Toa Payoh eventually led to a breakthrough.

After speaking with Cheng’s mother, Kelly was able to obtain Cheng’s contact information. Nervous yet hopeful, she reached out to him, leading to an unexpected and heartwarming conversation.

A Joyful Reunion:
Cheng expressed his surprise and gratitude for Kelly’s efforts, recalling their youthful connection and sharing updates about his life. Both have maintained sentimental attachments to their past, with Cheng cherishing the letters he received from Kelly.

Kelly is now overjoyed at the prospect of reconnecting with Cheng and learning about his journey. Although a visit may not be feasible in the immediate future, both have expressed eagerness to reestablish their friendship and perhaps even meet again someday.

This story serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds formed through simple acts of communication, showcasing the beauty of human connections that can withstand the test of time.