Oklahoma Woman Forges Friendship With The Power Of The Pen

Two pen pals have a friendship that has spanned 57 years, one that's seen marriages, children, divorce, and death.

It's bond that's grown stronger, even across the pond. John Forkner is from Chouteau, Oklahoma, and Janet is from England.

Forkner was just 11 when she started writing to Janet Clenaghan in Conventry, England.

"Basically the first letters we exchanged were on the lines of all about yourself and your family," Janet said.

They exchanged pictures to illustrate their lives and shared stories from a whole other world.

"It's absolutely amazing because it's a different life over here to ours," Janet said.

The women met for the first time 15 years ago. The distance was never a hurdle when one needed the other. Janet was here when John's husband passed away.

"She was my friend in need," John said.

John and Janet have kept in contact mainly through the written word and phone calls. John doesn't have a computer. Janet just got in Monday from England and will be visiting for three months.