Many happy “returns”
Melissa Massey, secretary at Abbotts College Johannesburg South, came up with a fabulous idea 36 years ago, which would keep her friend, who was moving away, and her in touch with each but in a novel way.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – “Marie Kelly and I met many years ago while we were working together. She left to go overseas and as we both wanted to keep in touch with each other, but knew with young families we wouldn’t have much spare time, I said I’d send her a birthday card with all my news and for my birthday the following year, she’d send the same one back to me with her news. We’ve kept this going since 1978.
“After a couple of years the card became full with all our news, so now we just enclose a sheet of writing paper with the very same birthday card. It’s a brilliant way to keep in contact and as well as reading the latest news we can re-read what has happened to us and our families over the years,” said Melissa.
“With computers, e-mail and all the latest technology, writing an actual letter has taken a back seat but it’s wonderful to look forward to receiving a letter through the post. For Marie and me it’s been a life-line at times and we both look forward to many more happy returns,” laughed Melissa.
It would be a great thing for the Abbotts students to consider so they can keep in touch with their friends as students will go many different ways once they leave school and this idea is one way of keeping a friend for many years.
