Sending Smiles From Afar

In high school, Orvella Wright exchanged letters back and forth with a pen pal who lived in Europe. Now, thanks to the Masonic Home of Missouri’s newest expansion of the Masonic Family Cares program, she is getting the chance to write letters again.

Launched this fall, Masons and members of the Order of the Eastern Star can now participate in a pen pal program.

The Masonic Home hopes to connect individuals who might feel like making a new friend during a time when so many of us feel isolated while staying safe amid the pandemic.

“I really like writing letters better than email,” Orvella says. “I thought it would be fun to write a person I didn’t know and get acquainted.”

CARE PACKAGES AND LETTERS

The program was born out of a simple goal, says Dana Morgenthaler, an outreach caseworker at the Masonic Home. She has heard from Masonic Home clients and their families that, because of the necessary isolation, many people feel lost or in need of some companionship.

“They can’t see family if they’re in a facility — you wave at your family or friends through your window, that kind of stuff,” Dana says. “So, people were just feeling lonely.”

Dana is in charge of pairing pen pals who would enjoy getting to know one another, whether by email, phone or letter.

The Masonic Home sent out the first notice about the program in the Order of the Eastern Star care packages that went to clients, who could decide whether to participate.

FIRST EXCHANGES

Orvella, a 45-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star who lives in Jefferson City, was one of the first to respond. An active member, Orvella has been feeling isolated since Eastern Star events have been put on hold this year, and she has stayed home.

Dana knew the perfect pen pal for Orvella and called Betty Hurt to ask. Betty, also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, said yes. Though new, their pen pal correspondence has already begun.

I could always write better than I could talk to somebody. I could write what I was feeling or what I was doing. It seems like if you’re talking right to a person, even though it’s more personal, I can express myself better in a letter.”

—Orvella Wright

Betty Hurt was visited by her Masonic Home of Missouri caseworker Dana Morgenthaler before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I just received a letter from my pen pal, Orvella Wright from Jefferson City. I just received a real sweet card from her, and I finished writing my card today and plan to mail it tomorrow,” Betty says.

Betty, who now resides in Evansville, Indiana, lived in Missouri for 58 years and was a member of Marley Chapter #352 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Betty says there is just something special about members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and though she has a lot of friends, she always has so much to talk about with this very special group of women.

“[Writing letters is] such a nice idea,” Betty says. “I hope I can make her life just a little bit happier and let her know that someone cares.”

Orvella was eagerly awaiting her first letter from Betty when we spoke. She says she hopes more people participate in the program, especially older members who won’t be able to attend chapter meetings once those resume and people who are homebound. Those individuals would love to hear from other members, she says, and she encouraged more people to participate.

“I could always write better than I could talk to somebody,” says Orvella. “I could write what I was feeling or what I was doing. It seems like if you’re talking right to a person, even though it’s more personal, I can express myself better in a letter.”

STAYING IN TOUCH

The pen pal program is one way to stay in touch with other members when gathering together is not an option. Even individuals who are typically out in the community are limited in what they can do. It has been a difficult year for everyone, and Dana says she hopes this can be a small way to put a smile on someone’s face.

“People are doing their best to maintain their positive [attitude],” Dana says.

She has connected two other ladies who are now communicating by email, and she hopes to make many more such connections in the future.

“Making new friends at all ages is always a positive thing,” Dana says.

If you would like to participate in the Masonic Home’s new pen pal program, contact Dana Morgenthaler by email at danam@mohome.org or by phone at 1-800-434-9804 and provide your contact information and whether you’d prefer to be connected to a pen pal via email, letter or telephone.