Now that my profile was made public, it was time to look for someone to write to. I was intrigued by a profile from one Jasper McCumber, so I headed back to the computer to compose my initial letter.

Dear Jasper,

I came across your profile on the Pen Pal Project and thought I’d extend the pen first. Rather, I’m banging this out on the computer, but at least this isn’t a missive that will end up in cyberspace. Like you said in your profile, the art of letter writing has gone downward and that is a sad sight, indeed.

The name’s Kelly…Liam Kelly and I’m what ye be calling an old Irishman in a young man’s body. It’s a long story I’ll tell ye about should ye be wanting to correspond with me. Suffice it to say, I’ve lived a long, long time and nothing surprises me.

So, a bit about me. I’m a retired carpenter and still enjoy woodworking at my leisure. Now, I work as a part time advisor to the Wizards’ and Warlocks’ Association. Sounds strange, aye, but there truly is magic in the world. I’m a grandda and great grandda and raised my wee Lenora from babyhood after the untimely death of her parents. Och, I miss my wee Maggie even to this day, but I know for a fact that she is happy where she is, much happier than she ever was on this Earth. It was my wee Lenora and my responsibility to her that kept me going day after long day. She is the light of my life and I have all the time in the world to spend with her and my dear ones. I am happily married to Mathilda, the most amazing witch who ever lived. I have five great grandkids and seven great-great grandkids who make my life very full. I’m also the stepfather to Mathilda’s daughter, Alina, who I view as a daughter. I could not be more proud of her. I am truly a fortunate man!

I understand ye be a retired literature professor. Teaching the young ones as they are ready to take on the world is a noble calling. Do ye have a favorite author or piece of literature ye frequently enjoy revisiting? It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one since there are so many greats. Me, I’ve always been partial to Charles Dickens and my wife enjoys Jane Austen. Lenora is quite fond of Shakespeare and enjoys seeing productions with her daughter, Aurora. Her son Chris, well, he enjoys Poe although Stephen King is more his speed. King’s not exactly high-brow literature but I have to admit, the man can spin a frightful yarn.

I reckon that’ll be all for now but I’ll be writing more if ye be willing to read. May the sun always rise up to greet ye and may the wind be always at your back.

warm Regards,

Liam