Joy Doevendans and Diane Hatt have defied distance and time, nurturing a friendship that spans more than half a century, despite living nearly 12,000 kilometers apart. Ms. Doevendans resides in Renmark, South Australia, while Ms. Hatt calls Enderby, Canada, her home. This remarkable bond began with a simple pen pal exchange and has evolved into a cherished connection akin to family.
“We consider each other family. If we don’t hear from each other in a couple of days, we write and say, ‘is everything OK?'” Ms. Hatt shared, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
The Origins of a Global Friendship
Their story began in 1965 when a 12-year-old Diane Hatt sought an Australian pen pal through an advertisement in the Vancouver Sun. Initially, her letter was intended for a friend of Ms. Doevendans, who, overwhelmed with pen pals, passed it on to Joy. This serendipitous exchange marked the beginning of their lifelong friendship.
“There was a newspaper called the Vancouver Sun and they had [an ad] where people could write in and just ask for pen pals,” Ms. Hatt recalled. Ms. Doevendans added, “She said, ‘I’ve got too many, would you like one?’ and I said, ‘Sure!’ And I just happened to get Diane’s.”
Despite the vast distance, their friendship thrived through letters, though it took 15 years before they met in person. This meeting in Renmark, South Australia, in 1980, was a significant milestone, solidifying their bond.
A Multi-Generational Affair
Their connection extended beyond themselves, involving their families. Ms. Hatt’s mother, Ina, intrigued by Australia, began corresponding with Ms. Doevendans’s mother, Florence. This exchange blossomed into a long-standing friendship between the two mothers, further intertwining the families.
Ms. Hatt reminisced about the family’s first meeting in Renmark, “My mum, my husband and I came over here to meet Joy and the rest of the family, and I remember thinking, ‘I’m really nervous about meeting her.'”
Adapting to Technological Advancements
Initially, the pair’s communication was limited to letters, which took weeks to arrive. Over time, technological advancements transformed their interaction. From email to instant messaging and FaceTime, these innovations have kept their friendship vibrant and immediate.
Ms. Doevendans noted the shift, “We would write at Christmas and maybe one other time, but we weren’t really communicating all that much.” She still treasures every letter from Ms. Hatt but has transitioned to digital communication to keep up with the times.
“I was actually printing [the letters] but then I had folders and folders full and I thought, ‘nah, I’ve got to stop,'” she explained.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Recently, Ms. Hatt and her husband, Roger, spent a month visiting Ms. Doevendans in South Australia. While the visit was filled with cherished memories, Ms. Hatt decided it would be their last trip Down Under.
“How many people can say they have one of their best friends on the other side of the world? I do consider Joy one of my best friends … I consider her a sister,” she expressed, underscoring the profound connection they share.
Their story is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, one that transcends geographical boundaries and time. As they continue their journey, their bond remains an inspiring example of how relationships can flourish, regardless of distance.
