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Young girl who penned heartfelt letter to King Charles is floored by response

<p>An 11-year-old girl from New South Wales has captured hearts with her touching words and well-wishes for King Charles III. </p> <p>Maeve Malone, who lives in Willoughby with her family, wrote a letter to the monarch in September 2022 to offer her condolences on the loss of Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth, and to let him know that she believes he will be a “fantastic king”.</p> <p>Maeve’s letter, which she shared with Ben Fordham on his 2GB series, opened with a quick introduction, before she launched into the heart of her message, writing that she was “really sorry to hear about your mum. I am 10 and in Year 4, Mum and Dad let me stay up to watch Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. </p> <p>“You were so brave on that sad day. I think you will be excellent at leading the commonwealth. I also believe you will be a fantastic king.” </p> <p>At the end of the page - one embellished with colourful images of purple flowers - Maeve shared another personal message for Charles, letting him know of their shared interest in botany when she said, “Mum told me you like gardening, me too! I hope the flowers in your new home are blossoming.”</p> <p>“I hope to visit London one day,” she concluded. “When I do, I will go past your home and think of you and your mum. </p> <p>“Best of luck with your new job.” </p> <p>After reading Maeve’s letter, radio host Fordham checked in with the young girl, asking her what had prompted her to put pen to paper and contact Charles in the first place. </p> <p>“I wrote it because I wanted him to know that I was sorry for Queen Elizabeth,” Maeve explained, “I really liked Queen Elizabeth, ‘cause she was a really good leader, and it was really sad for Charles to lose his mum.” </p> <p>When Fordham asked what Maeve had expected from her kind words, and whether or not she had anticipated a response, the 11 year old was quick to admit that she hadn’t expected one. </p> <p>But to her delight, she’d been wrong, with a letter arriving in the mail, addressed to her and signed by the monarch. </p> <p>“I got it out of the letter box, and when I got it … I started jumping with joy,” Maeve said. </p> <p>That letter - typed up with Charles’ signature at the bottom - read, “it was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother. </p> <p>“Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.” </p> <p>And while Maeve’s entire day might have been made with the kind reply, she still won’t be able to tune in for her new friend’s big day - he might have his coronation to attend, but Maeve is a busy girl, and has a party of her own to get to. </p> <p><em>Images: Ben Fordham Live / 2GB</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Musical mastermind pens King Charles’ coronation anthem

<p>Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has been revealed as the creative driving force behind King Charles III’s coronation anthem. </p> <p>Webber’s work is one of 12 commissioned, and personally selected by Charles, for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the 6th of May. The piece includes words adapted from Psalm 98, and is scored specifically for the abbey’s choir and organ to encourage “joyful noise”.</p> <p>"I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for The Coronation," Webber said in a statement from Buckingham Palace. "I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion."</p> <p>The coronation’s program is set to include older music and newer compositions in a bid to reflect Britain in 2023 by merging the traditional and the modern.</p> <p>"The decision to combine old and new reflects the cultural breadth of the age in which we live,'' said organist and master of choristers at Westminster Abbey Andrew Nethsingha. </p> <p>"Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066,” he added, “it has been a privilege to collaborate with his majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion."</p> <p>The ceremony will also include pieces by English composers William Byrd, Edward Elgar, Henry Walford Davies, William Walton, Hubert Parry, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as German-British composer George Frideric Handel and contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. </p> <p>The musical talents of Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, Debbie Wiseman, Tarik O'Regan, and Paul Mealor will also be featured. </p> <p>Altogether, 12 pieces were commissioned and created for the event - six orchestral, five choral, and one organ. Additionally, it is said the coronation will include personal touches, one of such a musical tribute to Charles’ father, Prince Philip. </p> <p>Philip was born a prince of both Greece and Denmark, and was in the line of succession for both thrones. As such, King Charles III requested Greek Orthodox music be played, to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble. </p> <p>While many specifics are still unknown, many have no doubt that the 18th century hymn <em>Zadok the Priest </em>will feature. After all, it has been played at every coronation since 1727, when it was commissioned for King George. </p> <p>As Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “a range of musical styles and performers blend tradition, heritage and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King's lifelong love and support of music and the arts.”</p> <p>And for those eager to hear even more of the music surrounding the event, a concert is set to be held at Windsor Castle the following night on May 7, with many international headlining acts rumoured to play. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Music

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“You are not alone”: Prince Harry pens emotional letter to bereaved children

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry has penned a letter to children whose parents have died as a result of being in the military, telling him they share a bond in losing a parent and experiencing grief.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former royal wrote of how he learnt to cope with grief and encouraged the children to “lean into your friends” in his letter, which was shared by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers on Remembrance Sunday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As many of us observe and reflect on Remembrance Sunday, I wanted to write to you and let you know you are all in my thoughts and heart today,” he began.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-319fa701-7fff-1059-e37f-7ace750a752b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“We share a bond even without ever meeting one another, because we share in having lost a parent. I know first-hand the pain and grief that comes with loss and want you to know that you are not alone.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/prince-harry-nov-letter.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Prince Harry penned a letter to children supported by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers for Remembrance Sunday. Image: Scotty’s Little Soldiers</em></p> <p dir="ltr">"While difficult feelings will come up today as we pay tribute to heroes like your mum or dad, I hope you can find comfort and strength in knowing that their love for you lives and shines on. Whenever you need a reminder of this, I encourage you to lean into your friends at Scotty’s Little Soldiers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the ways I've learned to cope has been through community and talking about my grief, and I couldn't be more grateful and relieved that you have amazing people walking beside you throughout your journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We all know some days are harder than others, but together those days are made easier."</p> <p dir="ltr">Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports children who have lost a parent in the military, was founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott, whose husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 and left behind two young children.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7881f497-7fff-4422-2c10-4168c81f7623"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">On Sunday, 55 children and their parents took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade wearing black and yellow scarves.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A proud moment for Scotty’s 💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemembranceSunday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RemembranceSunday</a> <a href="https://t.co/CsD7wL9BQP">pic.twitter.com/CsD7wL9BQP</a></p> <p>— Scotty's L Soldiers (@CorporalScotty) <a href="https://twitter.com/CorporalScotty/status/1591767075567333378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In his letter, Prince Harry acknowledged that taking part in the parade would be “hard but equally important to do” to raise awareness for others.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today you will bring new awareness to young people, just like you, who will benefit from this community of support,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I salute you for serving others in need, in the most honourable memory of your parent.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex has long supported the charity, which was one of the organisations chosen by Harry and Meghan Markle to benefit from donations they received as gifts for their 2018 wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2017, he met with children who’d lost a military parent at a special party on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.</p> <p dir="ltr">This year, he and Meghan attended a service on Remembrance Day to pay their respects to those who died in war across the US and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-78e8d8b1-7fff-62de-8d2f-a91f99007698"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Thomas Markle Jr pens apology letter to sister Meghan

<p dir="ltr">Thomas Markle Jr opened up about his relationship with estranged half-sister Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Big Brother VIP on Monday night, with the support of fellow housemate and former<span> </span><em>Survivor<span> </span></em>favourite Luke Toki.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Monday night’s episode, Toki, who’s been developing a friendship with Markle, was called into the diary room and asked to read the infamous letter Markle wrote to Prince Harry. In the letter, Markle urged Harry to reconsider his marriage, and called the pair’s marriage “the biggest mistake in royal wedding history”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Toki was asked for his thoughts on the letter, and he was incredibly supportive of his newfound friend, saying, “He’s so upset, he’s seen his sister being given so many opportunities. Some people like to climb the corporate ladder and not look back. I understand - there are two sides to every tale.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But from everything I know - I like Tom, and I think he loves his sister. As brothers and sisters we give each other s**t and we fight and get back together. At the end of the day family is family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tom really wants to reconnect with his sister - he loves his sister,” Toki said while tearing up and adding, “I’m actually getting quite emotional over this - sorry.” Asked by Big Brother if this struck a chord with him, Toki replied, “A little bit… A little bit… I haven’t spoken to my sister for the last two or three years, I just started speaking to her again.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Family is family and deep down the love is always going to be there, it doesn’t matter what happens.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Toki was then asked to convince Markle to write an apology to Meghan, which Markle agreed to do. Asked what it was like growing up with Meghan, Markle said, “It was fun. There was a whole lot of love growing up. Her first nickname as a child was ‘flower' because her bedroom she had these decorative flowers over her crib, so when she woke up that’s the first thing she would see.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s my sister and she’s my blood and I love the hell out of her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After taking some time to write the letter, Markle read it aloud. He had written, ”Dear Meghan and Harry, the first thing I want to say to you two is that I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for the awful, mean letter I wrote to you prior to your wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want both of you to know that it didn’t come from the real person I am, but came from the very dark, hurt part of my heart. I am not a mean person at all and I have more love inside me to give than anyone I know.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The letter was definitely written from my feeling hurt and confused from your response that I was ‘distant family’ and that you ‘didn’t know those people’. I was hurt and confused because of the amazing bond and relationship we shared growing up together, and all I could do was put up a defensive wall to protect my heart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know that the letter was immature and wrong and I truly regret it. When your relationship with Harry first became known to the public, I - along with all of our family - became public figures overnight - no more privacy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Let me tell you, It was very, very stressful to deal with it all alone with no help at all. A real nightmare and constant pressure, and I if I could turn back the clock and do it all over knowing what I know now. I would never have tried to communicate any of my feeling to the media. I feel like a complete ass after what I’ve done and I am truly sorry for that.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Meg, if I could turn the clock back, I would tell you that I'm so, so proud of you and I'm truly happy for you and Harry and I love you. You’re my little sister, my family, and you always will be. Now you’ve found the love of your life and started a family of your own, I couldn’t be more proud.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The last several years of my life I have grown and learned more about myself, and I must say what I did to you with that letter is quite possibly the biggest mistake of my life. I hope you and Harry can find it in your hearts to accept my sincere apology because this is the real Tom Markle. I truly love you guys. I wish you, Harry and Meghan, and Archie and Lili the happiest most loving life possible. Sincerely, your big brother, Tom.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the exercise, Markle said it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and that he felt indebted to Big Brother, who confirmed he would be sending the letter to the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve grown exponentially since my stay here,” Markle added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“My hero turns 8!”: Michael Bublé pens sweet message for son

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michael Bublé has shared a sweet series of photos to celebrate his son’s eighth birthday after battling cancer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Bublé received the news of his son Noah's diagnosis with cancer at the age of three in 2016, the singer’s music career was put on hold.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fortunately, Noah was cancer free a year later, prompting the star to pen the song </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Forever Now</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about his son.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Four years later, Bublé took to Instagram to celebrate his “hero” Noah as he celebrated his eighth birthday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today my hero turns 8!” the star captioned the photos.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 400px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843542/240585983_259572712654946_7521505066095890307_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2ae40b140be348ee9a8959ac869da25e" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Michael Bublé</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve never met anyone as brave… I’ve never known anyone as kind or as good-hearted… And I’ll never truly be able to express how proud I am, or how deep and profound Mommy’s and my love is for you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You’ve blessed our lives in every way.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We hope God blesses you on your special day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Happy birthday, Noah B.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843541/240825422_519076625863896_35171094723905959_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8b96333e7e6543948db32da772cdbc23" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Michael Bublé / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following his break from music, Bublé returned to the stage for an emotional performance at Dublin’s Croke Park in 2019.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My first show back, I played Croke and I cried for like two hours afterwards,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was too emotional for me. I was too happy. Noah is great, thank God.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bublé married Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato in 2011, and the couple share Noah, his younger brother Elias, five, and sister Vida, three.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Michael Bublé / Instagram</span></em></p>

Caring

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Chandler Powell pens beautiful tribute to Bindi just days before birth

<p><span>The world is watching as Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell get ready to welcome their first child into the world.</span><br /><br /><span>However, Powell has taken a moment to stop and appreciate his wife by taking to social media to post a sweet photo of him cradling her baby bump, with the caption "my girls".</span><br /><br /><span>He continued: "In awe every day of how my wife has been handling 9 months of pregnancy."</span><br /><br /><span>"Bindi, you're going to be the most incredible momma to our Baby Wildlife Warrior. I love you."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXy3VhBC_N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXy3VhBC_N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chandler Powell (@chandlerpowell)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The couple wed last April are expecting their baby girl to be born any day now.</span><br /><br /><span>"You are my world," Irwin sweetly replied in the comments.</span><br /><br /><span>"Here's to our extraordinary new life chapter on the horizon."</span><br /><br /><span>The pair will raise their daughter on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where they currently live on the grounds of the family's wildlife reserve, Australia Zoo.</span><br /><br /><span>It appears it will be a full house as uncle Robert and Nana Terri are currently living on the grounds with Bindi and her husband too.</span></p>

Family & Pets

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Ellen DeGeneres pens open letter to staff

<p>Ellen DeGeneres has penned a letter to the staff of her talk show in the wake of allegations of a toxic workplace culture.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><em>The Hollywood Reporter</em>, the note to crew is part of an effort to change the culture behind the scenes of<span> </span><em>The Ellen DeGeneres Show</em>, which will reportedly also see one of the show’s producers ousted.</p> <p>In her apology note published by<span> </span><em>THR</em>, DeGeneres insisted that steps will be taken to “correct the issues” going forward.</p> <p>“As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again,” she writes.</p> <p>DeGeneres opens the letter with an apology, saying that what has happened was “the opposite” of what she intended for the show.</p> <p>“Hey everybody – it’s Ellen. On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show,” she writes.</p> <p>Elsewhere in the letter, DeGeneres says she’s “learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop”.</p> <p>The talk show host said if it wasn’t for the pandemic, she would have “done this in person”, and said she was “so sorry” to those who did not have a good experience working on the show.</p> <p>The Ellen DeGeneres Show is reportedly under investigation after numerous accusations by former staffers that it is a “toxic” work environment.</p>

TV

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Angelina Jolie pens powerfully touching essay on her family's struggle with cancer

<p>Angelina Jolie has penned an emotional essay where she opened up about struggling with the loss of her mother to cancer. </p> <p>The actress’ personal essay was featured in<span> </span><em>Times<span> </span></em>and touched on her own personal tragedy of losing her mother and grandmother to cancer, and preventative procedures she elected to have. </p> <p>"I simply feel I made choices to improve my odds of being here to see my children grow into adults, and of meeting my grandchildren," Jolie explained on her choice to get a preventative double mastectomy and remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.</p> <p>"My hope is to give as many years as I can to their lives, and to be here for them."</p> <p>The actress shares six children with ex-husband and fellow actor Brad Pitt: Maddox, 18, Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, and 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eZMB0pIMT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eZMB0pIMT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolieofficial)</a> on Oct 11, 2019 at 3:40am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I have lived over a decade now without a mom. She met only a few of her grandchildren and was often too sick to play with them," Jolie wrote.</p> <p>"It's hard now for me to consider anything in this life divinely guided when I think of how much their lives would have benefited from time with her and the protection of her love and grace. </p> <p>“My mother fought the disease for a decade and made it into her 50s. My grandmother died in her 40s. I'm hoping my choices allow me to live a bit longer."</p> <p>Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina’s mother, died of breast and ovarian cancer at the age of 56 in 2007. </p> <p>In 2009, Jolie decided to remove her ovarian and fallopian tubes. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QIGYEI69Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QIGYEI69Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cinema, Music and More💫 (@people__choice)</a> on Jul 23, 2019 at 1:07am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However it was not until 2013, after the loss of her aunt who passed away from breast cancer, that she decided to get a double mastectomy done after a genetic test revealed she carried the BRCAI gene. </p> <p>This meant Jolie had an estimated 87 per cent risk of developing the disease and a 50 per cent risk of getting ovarian cancer. </p> <p>"People also ask how I feel about the physical scars I carry," Jolie said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B07mPIjHdek/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B07mPIjHdek/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Angelina Jolie 😈 (@joliedream)</a> on Aug 8, 2019 at 10:22pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I think our scars remind us of what we have overcome. They are part of what makes each of us unique. That diversity is one of the things that is most beautiful about human existence."</p> <p>Jolie ended her emotional essay by touching on the emotional toll and care needed for anyone battling the disease. </p> <p>"I have learned that when it comes to women's health, medical advances are only one part of the picture" she said. </p> <p>"Mental and emotional health, and physical safety, are just as important."</p>

International Travel

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“This is childhood cancer”: Mum pens powerful post about the realities of deadly illness

<p>A US mum has been praised for her candid post about the realities of living with a member who has childhood cancer.</p> <p>Her son has been diagnosed with leukaemia and has opened up on the ways that the diagnosis in 2015 has impacted the whole family.</p> <p>Kaitlin Burge has documented her son Beckett’s cancer experience on Facebook and has shared a heartbreaking image of her other child Aubrey comforting Beckett during a bout of nausea.</p> <p>"My two kids, 15 months apart, went from playing in school and at home together to sitting in a cold hospital room together," the mum writes.</p> <p>"My then four-year-old watched her brother go from an ambulance to the ICU.</p> <p>"She watched a dozen doctors throw a mask over his face, poke and prod him with needles, pump a dozen medications through his body, all while he laid there helplessly.”</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbeatitlikebeckett%2Fposts%2F3305533652820876&amp;width=500" width="500" height="764" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Kaitlin explained that her daughter Aubrey struggled to understand what was happening to her brother.</p> <p>"She wasn't sure what was happening. All she knew was that something was wrong with her brother, her best friend."</p> <p>"He never wanted to play. She didn't understand how he was able to walk before this, but now he can't even stand unassisted," the post continues.</p> <p>"Why couldn't they go to their favourite trampoline park anymore? ... Why didn't he have to go back to school, but she did?"</p> <p>Kaitlin said that Aubrey never left her brothers side, which is something that Kaitlin strongly supported.</p> <p>"She spent a fair amount of time, by his side in the bathroom, while he got sick. She stuck by him," she continues.</p> <p>"She supported him and she took care of him, regardless of the situation. To this day, they are closer. She always takes care of him.</p> <p>"Vomiting between play sessions. Waking up to throw up. Standing by her brother's side and rubbing his back while he gets sick ... This is childhood cancer. Take it or leave it."</p> <p>The comment section was flooded with supportive messages from other families who praised Kaitlin for shining a light on childhood cancer.</p> <p>"You are highlighting an often overlooked fact that cancer affects the entire family, especially childhood cancer," one writes.</p> <p>"Your daughter has a loving and compassionate heart and is showing that by the way she is helping her brother."</p> <p>"My other two children are much older but they break down watching their sister go through the motions. I can definitely relate," another says.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see Beckett and his sister on his journey through childhood cancer. </p>

Caring

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“Dear tech”: IBM pens open letter to the tech industry

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IBM is urging the tech sector to use technology for the good of humanity instead of its downfall in an open letter to the industry called “Dear Tech”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the firm, the world needs tech companies that can apply “smart technologies at scale with purpose and expertise — not just for some of us, but for all of us”. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the global tech giant held its annual Think summit in Sydney, it showcased the mindboggling ways that artificial intelligence is being used to tackle the world’s biggest problems, according to </span><a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/tech/2019/05/22/ibm-think-summit-2019/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The New Daily.</span></a></p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9">  <iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gNF8ObJR6K8"></iframe></div> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stefan Harrer says that healthcare is ideal for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Ultimately we want to be able to use and develop technology to improve peoples’ lives,” Dr Harrer said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We want to build tech that can help improve the lives of people that suffer from a variety of diseases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That requires that we do cutting-edge research and develop the tech and think hard about how to translate it into trustworthy and impactful solutions.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, as AI becomes more commonplace, it’s more important than ever that there are strict ethics in place around it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s as important to pay enough attention to getting the ethical framework right around AI as it is the technology,” Dr Harrer said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This revolution will not look like the information revolution, it’s not move fast and break things.”</span></p>

Technology

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Cheeky! Prince Harry pens hilarious note to Wimbledon wheelchair champion Dylan Alcott

<p>Wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott received a nice surprise in the mail, as he took to Twitter to show off a cheeky letter from none other than Prince Harry himself.</p> <p>The royal heaped praise on Alcott, commending him for his Wimbledon win and most popular new talent at the Logies.</p> <p>He also appreciated him for his work “raising awareness and changing perceptions of disability”.</p> <p>But while the top half of the note was quite formal, it was the PS that had fans chuckling, as Harry hilariously asked about Alcott’s underwear situation.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Pen pals with the Duke of Sussex himself - Prince Harry.. What an absolute legend ... Also very impressed he watches the <a href="https://twitter.com/TVWEEKmag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TVWEEKmag</a> logies..! <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://t.co/I328TqnMaX">pic.twitter.com/I328TqnMaX</a></p> — Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanAlcott/status/1163385140308918273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 August 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The letter reads: “Dear Dylan,</p> <p>I wanted to pass on my congratulations for your recent win at Wimbledon and your most popular new talent award!</p> <p>Thank you for the special contribution that you made to sharing the stories of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women on the Invictus Games Today show.</p> <p>Your achievements are extraordinary, and the impact you have had in raising awareness and changing perceptions of disability is really inspiring.</p> <p>I wish you the very best of luck for the future, on-air and on-court!</p> <p>All the best, Harry</p> <p>PS – I’m wondering if you wore your Invictus Games budgie smugglers on the big night to accept it? Mine have come in handy in this recent UK heatwave!”</p> <p>The 28-year-old won the Wimbledon title in mid-July for his ninth wheelchair Grand Slam title, including third straight this year as he nears a calendar Grand Slam.</p>

Body

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Duchess Camilla pens emotional letter to domestic abuse survivors

<p>The Duchess of Cornwall has written an emotional letter to survivors of domestic and family violence.</p> <p>The 72-year-old penned the note to show her support for the upcoming Stand Up to Domestic Abuse conference in the UK. She went into detail about the “shocking prevalence of domestic violence which affects so many people in this country and leaves some in fear of their lives”.</p> <p>Camilla decided to lend her voice after she was approached by Rachel Williams, the organiser for the event whom she met through her work with charity SafeLives.</p> <p>Rachel is a survivor of domestic violence, which she endured for 18 years at the hands of her husband.</p> <p>Darren shot and beat her before committing suicide after she filed for divorce in 2011. A few weeks later, she lost her 16-year-old son Jack to suicide also.</p> <p>The conference is set to take place on September 13 at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.</p> <p>Rachel’s story had a profound effect on the Duchess.</p> <p>“It is a testament to her courage that she was able to write her book<span> </span><em>The Devil at Home</em><span> </span>to spread the word about the reality of living with domestic abuse,” she wrote in the letter.</p> <p>The conference is the first of its kind to be run by survivors in Wales, as victims will work hand-in-hand with police and social services.</p> <p>Camilla wrote: “I’m sure [the survivors’] stories will remind everyone that there is still much to be done, but I hope that the conference will also inspire positive steps to tackle [the abuse].”</p> <p>The 72-year-old is a passionate advocate for those who have suffered domestic abuse, organising a reception in 2016 at Clarence House on the issue. She met Rachel and other survivors earlier that year and was pictured in tears.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/" target="_blank"><em>HELLO!</em></a><span> </span>magazine, Rachel says that having the Duchess’ support is “important” because it “brings it up to another level”.</p> <p>“She is really encouraging me to get my voice out there, which in turn gives a platform for those who have not had their story heard before, which is why I’m doing the conference,” she said. “There is no shame for the victim and survivor. The shame lies at the perpetrator’s feet.”</p>

Caring

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Ozzy Osbourne pens emotional tribute after passing of bandmate

<p>Veteran hard rock guitarist Bernie Tormé has died at the age of 66 after suffering “pots-flu complications.”</p> <p>The Irish musician passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 17, a statement from the family has said.</p> <p>“He had been on life support for the past four weeks at a London hospital following post-flu complications.</p> <p>“Bernie will be remembered for dedicating his life to his music for five decades. He will be sorely missed.”</p> <p>Tormé played with Ozzy Osbourne, Deep Purple singer Ian Gillian as well as his own solo bands.</p> <p>The sudden death comes a little more than a month since the guitarist was admitted to hospital following a virulent pneumonia in both lungs.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824914/bernie-torme-1990.jpg" alt="Bernie Torme, 1990" data-udi="umb://media/2c570e626cd343bb9bfe1698e6f6a231" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Bernie Torme, 1990.</em></p> <p>Tormé worked for many years with Gillian and on his own solo projects, although he is most known for his brief stint in Osbourne’s band in 1982 immediately after Randy Rhoads died in a tragic plane crash.</p> <p>The musician completed a tour in support of the Shadowland album, The Final Fling in December before being admitted to hospital.</p> <p>Osbourne took to social media to publicly mourn the life of the former guitarist.</p> <p>“What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician. Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed,” he tweeted this morning.</p> <p>“I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician. Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie. <a href="https://t.co/Nx1bCiYbkO">pic.twitter.com/Nx1bCiYbkO</a></p> — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/OzzyOsbourne/status/1107678965827665922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>His latest studio album Shadowland was released in November of last year, although his family posted to social media claiming late payments are due to the artist.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Bernie remains in intensive care and asked for the following statement to be released:<br /><br />“PledgeMusic owe Bernie Torme almost £16,000 which was due last December on completion of his recent ‘Shadowland’ Pledgemusic campaign."</p> — Bernie Tormé (@Bernie_Torme) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bernie_Torme/status/1096464431071023105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“PledgeMusic owe Bernie Tormé almost £16,000 which was due last December on completion of his recent ‘Shadowland’ Pledgemusic campaign,” the statement read.</p> <p>Another tweet from Tormé’s account read: “Bernie has paid for all recordings, merchandise, CDs and all postage costs to honour his fans' pledges out of his own pocket.</p> <p>“He has as yet been unable to pay his musicians, drummer Mik Gaffney and bass player Simon Morton for their work on the album.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Bernie has paid for all recordings, merchandise, CDs and all postage costs to honour his fans' pledges out of his own pocket. He has as yet been unable to pay his musicians, drummer Mik Gaffney and bass player Simon Morton for their work on the album.</p> — Bernie Tormé (@Bernie_Torme) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bernie_Torme/status/1096464965043740672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Sharon Osbourne also took to social media to share her condolences.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">I cannot believe that Bernie Torme has passed. Bernie helped out Ozzy and I at a time of great need and we will never ever forget that. Love and condolences to his family.</p> — Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsSOsbourne/status/1107679701957373952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“I cannot believe that Bernie Tormé has passed. Bernie helped out Ozzy and I at a time of great need and we will never ever forget that,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Love and condolences to his family.”</p>

Music

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Prince Frederik pens tell-all autobiography for 50th birthday

<p><span>In anticipation of his 50th birthday next year in May, Prince Frederik has teamed up with author Jens Anderson to tell his fascinating life story.</span></p> <p><span>From growing up in the royal spotlight to falling in love with real estate agent Mary Donaldson from Tasmania, we will finally get to hear about the Crown Prince of Denmark’s life from his perspective.</span></p> <p><span>The autobiography titled </span><em><span>Under the Beam</span></em><span> will discuss Frederik’s life as a royal, father-of-four, husband and humanitarian.</span></p> <p><span>On the weekend, Frederik received the very first copy of the book which is scheduled for release next year.</span></p> <p><span>On the Danish Royal Family Instagram account, fans were given teaser never-before-seen photos to catch a glimpse into the Prince's world.</span></p> <p><span>In one photo, the young Prince Frederik looks like a movie star behind the wheel of a vintage sports car.</span></p> <p><span>In another picture, Frederik and Princess Mary share a warm embrace in front of the Palace before leaving for a fancy event.</span></p> <p><span>The account also posted a candid black-and-white family shot with the four children and their parents.</span></p> <p><span>Alongside the never-before-seen pictures the palace said, “"HRH The Crown Prince received the first copy of the book </span><em><span>Under the Beam</span></em><span> on Friday.</span></p> <p><span>"A portrait of Crown Prince Frederik. The book was written by author Jens Andersen on the occasion of the Crown Prince's 50th birthday in 2018 and is published on Gyldendal's publishing house on Wednesday. Here are selected pictures from the book."</span></p> <p><span>In the past, royal family members avoided overpromoting themselves and minimised their media coverage.</span></p> <p><span>However, times are changing and now British and European royal families have their own social media accounts and use their profiles to advocate for causes they are passionate about.</span></p> <p><span>The most famous royal memoir was Princess Diana’s tell-all </span><em><span>Diana: Her True Story</span></em><span>. Diana secretly helped write the book with her biographer Andrew Morton in 1992.</span></p>

Books

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Owners pen beautiful letters to their beloved dogs

<p><strong>Fur-Ever Loved</strong><em><strong> by Ken Drake is a beautiful testament to the power of love we have for our best friend—the dog. A moving compilation of heartfelt letters written to furry family members from the humans who love them the most.</strong></em></p> <p>To the furriest pieces of my heart walking around, Nismo and Angel,</p> <p>You guys make me feel like we’re living our own Groundhog Day, every single day. No matter how my day has gone, I am guaranteed to receive the same welcome home – an overabundance of unbridled love and excitement with a healthy dose of leg sniffing from you, Nismo, and the classic ‘I’m so excited I just can’t hide it so I’ll run around in a million circles’ dance from you, Angel – every… single… time. You’d think after all these years I’d have learned how to deal with the onslaught of two powerful little nuggets, but no, I just brace myself and hope for the best.</p> <p>I sometimes think about the life you may have had if someone else had become your family. We’ve had some truly testing moments, and I’m not sure if others would have kept their ‘forever” promise to you. But it just confirms to me that you were always destined to be a part of our family, and I will be forever grateful for that.</p> <p>Nismo, I love your soulful eyes; I could stare into them for days. I feel like they’ve experienced far more years than you’ve lived.</p> <p>Angel, I love the way one ear always flops down and makes you look like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth (not that it would ever have time to, Miss Speedy Eater). It reflects your eternally youthful personality perfectly.</p> <p>Nismo and Angel, you are the best partners in crime for our family. You constantly top your human brothers’ best friend list, and you complete the love in all of our hearts. You won’t always be here (I’m still in denial about that) but you have changed my life forever. We all love you so very, very much.</p> <p>Love you puppies,</p> <p>Mummy</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">*** </p> <p>Dear Chloe,</p> <p>You came into our lives in July 2003, a white ball of fluff, with splashes of apricot colour if we looked closely and full of love and energy. Born in Armidale, a Maltese cross, your playful nature of all things crazy, made you a perfect fit for our family. I remember you running head first under the fish tank stand so many times, hitting your head on the way in – but always coming back out for more fun.</p> <p>One storm-filled day, lightning struck a tree on our property and caught fire. You were sitting on my lap at the time and we all jumped and screamed a little. From that day on, you were scared of storms, but you could also tell us when they were on their way! You saved us numerous times from snakes with that familiar deep growl – we owe you our lives.</p> <p>It didn’t take long for you to show us your trade mark – your very large white ears; so large in fact that the vet called you the rare white eared bat! We didn’t care, we just loved you every minute of the day.</p> <p>You helped us through some very tough times, and your unconditional love for us will always stay deep in our hearts. You let me know when it was time to let you go. I was blessed with two children who gave me the chance to get professional photos of you two days before I held you as you left this earth peacefully and crossed the rainbow bridge, April 2016. I know you are now free of pain, but the pain in our hearts remains.</p> <p>Thank you, Chloe. Run free and be happy.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><img width="204" height="202" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35972/fur-ever-loved_204x202.jpg" alt="Fur Ever Loved (3)" style="float: right;"/>If you had to write a letter to your pet, what would it say? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em>This is an extract from Fur-Ever Loved by Ken Drake, published by New Holland Publishers, RRP $29.99, available from all good bookstores or <a href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com" target="_blank"><strong><span>online</span></strong></a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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My teenage pen pal became my lifelong friend

<p><em><strong>Anne Adams, 68, shares the beautiful story of how her teenage pen pal, Monika, from Germany, became a dear, life-long friend.</strong></em></p> <p>Back in 1960 when I was 14 and living in England, my parents had a friend, Otto, who was a German schoolteacher in Kassel. In one of Otto’s classes, a little girl named Claudia had a sister, called Monika, who was keen to write to an English girl. And so Monika and I began writing.</p> <p>We first met in 1962 when Monika (nickname Monni) and her father, Heinz, came to stay with my family for a holiday. When Monika and I first met, we hit it off straight away and from there, our whole family became friends and holidays were spent together. Monika's sister, Claudia also became a wonderful friend and we too are very close today. Their parents became lifelong friends of my parents, visiting each other whenever they could. Monika’s father, Heinz, always called my mum his “Darling Second”.</p> <p>Throughout our teenage years in the 60s, Monika and I both enjoyed the same music and loved dancing. One year, her mother, an excellent dressmaker, made us identical pink broderie anglaise dresses to go to a dance. German was my favourite subject at school, and Monika loved English so our friendship helped us no end.</p> <p>As the years went by, we both married, still keeping in touch, and of course our husbands became friends, too. Sadly my first husband, a policeman, was killed on duty in 1977, when my youngest was only three. The friendship continued and I remarried. My new husband, Robert, was in the British army and we spent time in Germany with British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). I remember one special snowy Christmas we all went to the Christmas markets together in Kassel and warmed ourselves with Glühwein.</p> <p>In 1982, after Robert had left the army, we came to live in Western Australia. My parents followed us and lived here happily until they passed away, both in their 90s. Even after I moved here to Australia, Monika and her husband Hannes, and Claudia and her husband Lothar, would travel the long distance to visit us. They always called my parents "Mummy and Daddy", looking on them as their second parents. They really loved them.</p> <p>Two years ago, in 2014, we spent time together in Germany, Rome and Mauritius. It was extra special as we were able to be together with Monika, Claudia and their husbands, children, and Monika’s little grandson, Niklas, in Kassel. Meeting each other’s children and grandchildren for the first time is always so special, and it’s like having an extended family. Monika and Hannes and Robert and I then spent time in Rome and Mauritius together before we parted for our respective homes. There are always tearful goodbyes.</p> <p>I must admit I no longer have any letters, which makes me sad, but in my life I have moved house so many times – 23 times in fact since 1965! So you can understand how things have gone astray! Monika and I now keep in touch via phone, WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype and Facebook. This helps us feel much closer together even though we’re separated by so many miles. On Skype we can really have a good chat – Monika's English is excellent, and I speak fairly good 'everyday' German.</p> <p>It’s now been more than five decades of friendship and despite the long distance, we have managed to maintain a loving and caring relationship for so long, enjoying our precious times together to the full. Of course, it wasn't easy when we had our own families to find the money or the time to travel to see each other, but we managed because our friendship is very important to us both, feeling more like sisters than friends.</p> <p>This September we are flying to Germany to surprise Monika for her 70th birthday. Her husband knows we'll be there but is keeping it a secret.</p> <p>I am so lucky to have two beautiful friends like Monika and Claudia and, despite the tyranny of distance, our friendship has flourished for the last 55 years.</p> <p><em><strong>If you have a story to share please get in touch with <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:melody@oversixty.com.au" target="_parent">melody@oversixty.com.au</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/06/steps-to-make-friends-after-60/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3 steps to make friends after 60</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/05/female-friendships-the-key-to-making-life-changing-decisions/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Female friendships the key to making life-changing decisions</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/03/how-to-maintain-long-distance-friendship/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 tips to maintain a long-distance friendship</span></strong></em></a></p>

Relationships