BRUNSWICK— Twenty years is a long time for far­away friends to go between visits, especially over a rela­tionship that has spanned 50 years and nearly 5,000 miles.

Longtime pen pals Karen Harrison and Irene Mat­sumoto, both 61, have met five times during their friendship, which began at age 12 in 1960 through a world friendship club promoted by the former Cleveland Press. Harrison is a Brunswick resident and Mat­sumoto resides in Hawaii.

Longtime pen pals Karen Harrison, right, and Irene Matsumoto share a hug Monday evening as the two see each other for the first time in more than 20 years. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY STEVE GRAZIER)

The fifth get-together was on Labor Day at the home of one of Harrison’s daughters. It was their first visit in more than 20 years.

“It’s unreal (when we get together). I cried at the airport already,” Matsumoto said after arriving at the house from Cleveland Hopkins Interna­tional Airport. “When we get together, we pick up talking right where we left off the last time.”

Harrison noted that Mon­day’s meeting felt a little more special, suggesting the 20-year gap has spurred some addi­tional emotions. “I’m so nervous,” she said prior to Matsumoto’s arrival.

“It just feels like something special today.”

The first get-together between Matsumoto and Har­rison took place in Honolulu in 1967. Harrison and a friend saved money for two years to make the trip when they were 18.

“We both loved Elvis (Pres­ley) at the time we started talking,” Harrison said. “We’ve gone (together) through boyfriends, proms, marriage and kids.”

Matsumoto joked that the first gathering happened in Hawaii somewhat by default.

“I couldn’t find anyone who wanted to come with me to Cleveland, Ohio,” she joked.

Starting at age 12, the women sent numerous letters back and forth. Harrison recalled stamps costing 4 cents in 1960, while Mat­sumoto remembered some­what sour relations between the Japanese and Americans.

“We’ve had no prejudice here. They have always treated me like family,” Matsumoto said.

This week’s visit between Harrison and Matsumoto lasts until Friday.

“We just really want to sit and talk for a while,” Harrison said. “We’re really on the same wavelength.”

The women have no set plans for a sixth visit. However, Matsumoto has extended an offer to Harrison regarding another trip to Hawaii.

“We might have to tranquil­ize mom to get her on the plane this time,” joked Barbara Held, one of Harrison’s four daughters. All Harrison’s daughters and some of their children were present for Monday’s meeting.

Contact Steve Grazier (330) 721-4012 or sgrazier@medina-gazette.com.

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