At lunch, one of my British pen pals sent me an Instagram message alerting me to a package that she sent a week ago. When I arrived home at 5:30, there was a huge package waiting for me on the kitchen table.
My parents were excited for me to open it and I will admit it, I did rip it open. I ripped after I took photos. Here is the lovely package.
And let the ripping and shredding begin!
Oh, I wonder what it can be?!
Letter. What else?
Ohhh, I can’t wait to eat this GF candy bar! I wonder what’s in the packages?
Sarah and Teddy were over the moon when I wrote them that I was starting a journey into classical music and became a friend of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Of course they are biased to the British Orchestra, but the Philadelphia Orchestra is the best in the world. She wanted to share her classical favourites and I’m verklempt right now. I’m beyond grateful for her kindness and I can’t wait to listen to the CDs.
I was telling mom that Sarah and Teddy are friends from Facebook and they are the only remaining friends from Facebook I have since I left 13 months ago. Only Sarah/Teddy and Michelle from Toronto still communicate with me. Mom said, “That’s because they are your true friends. Your true friends will stay your friends even if you leave social media. That was extremely kind of them.”
I’m in tears, happy tears, right now. I was so surprised and I’m over the moon. I’m going to order Sarah some CDs – some from the Philadelphia Orchestra and I’m going to send her some local musicians too.
I have the best friends, family, and pen pals in the world.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
This is a wonderful surprise, dear friend! Your British pen pals Sarah and Teddy went all out with this “care package,” as we used to call them. The gift items they shipped to you reveal that they know you and know what interests you. They are genuine friends. I hope you enjoy listening to classical music made in the UK and I am sure they will be thrilled to receive music by the Philadelphia Orchestra in the cultural exchange. Having 100, 1,000 or 100,000 “friends” on social media doesn’t mean a thing because most of them are “click-on” friends – friends in name only. Having a few devoted friends, real friends, like Sarah,Teddy and Michelle is a blessing.
Happy Tuesday to you, dear friend JM!
LikeLike