I once had a friend in America – unfortunately we lost contact. These are the letters I would write to her today:

Mühltal (Germany), September 14th 2002

Dear Debbie,

it is a long time ago that I have not written to you. I hope you still remember me? We first met in 1985. I took part in the exchange programme between my school and the University of Toledo and I was staying with your family in Monroe, Michigan, for three weeks. One month before I actually came to the States, you had written to me that I should not expect too much because you were living in an old house, but when I came, I thought it was wonderful. I had a room on my own, all in white and pink, sunlight falling through the windows, a bouquet welcoming me. It was exactly the kind of room I would have wanted to have at home, but my parents had chosen dark colours because they wanted it also as a guest-room, when they had guests I had to sleep on the sofa. So at your place I felt like a little "princess". Your father who had some Italian blood in his veins made pizza for us, and your mother spoiled us with chocolate cookies and brownies. Your brother, Michael, was now sleeping in the basement and I had a terribly bad conscience when you told me I was staying in his room. But he assured me that he preferred the cellar because the room was bigger, he could do his fitness-training down there and he also was less under control your parents not hearing when he came home late at night.

With regard to your roots I have always envied you. You where a quarter Swedish, German, Italian and Irish and altogether very American. I found this fascinating, and it had a practical advantage: you had relatives all over the world, you could go on holiday without looking for a hotel. And then you even had a dog, she was a wonderful mongrel dog, your parents had called her "Mandy" because they had fallen in love when this song was played. My parents had never allowed me to have any pets so I loved going for a walk with Mandy.

As you were living in Monroe, Michigan, each morning we were going to the University of Toledo, Ohio. The Germans taking part in the exchange programme were attending classes as guest students. It was in April, the weather was fine, but one day we were invited to go to a party and we were caught in a "blizzard" on the motorway – well, it started snowing a little - and somehow we got lost, so we had to go back to Monroe. You felt very sorry, but I did not mind, I had enjoyed the trip, we were always listening to the latest songs and you were singing and explaining the texts to me when I did not understand them. The next morning you were laughed at by your American friends, not by me. I confirmed that it had actually been snowing heavily when we were on the motorway.

You might call me naive remembering all these details, but they are deeply rooted in my memory and they will always have a special place in my heart. I had a wonderful time staying with you and your family. Today, 18 years later, I still feel the need to say: Thank you!

Love Karin

© Karin Quade, September 14th 2002