We've known each other, online, for over 20 years. Sometimes
   that blows my mind completely. And a little caveat - when I
   mention, "whatever story works for you" is complimentary - it's
   a reference that: our human grasping of realities that are
   entirely beyond our ability to comprehend "in full" can mostly
   be represented in a very limited fashion via the main vehicle
   humans have: the stories we tell.

   The underlying reality is far deeper than the way we pass on
   knowledge through language; there's always that "more" that only
   comes through experience. Anyway, I felt it important to clarify
   as some people use the word "stories" as a synonym for fiction,
   but that's not how I use it. It has indeed been a ride so far. I
   don't know what the future brings; the intervening years, I
   could never have imagined, predicted, planned, and life is truly
   an amazing journey.

   The deeper realities, the mysteries; I'm still travelling but my
   heart never strayed far, although I've taken to finding
   synonymous terms more befitting secular culture.

   Perhaps it is like riding two horses, I don't know, but I know
   your story is not fiction. I know it's truth. How I fit? I don't
   know. I just trust each step will have assistance when
   necessary. It's really a wonderful thing knowing you, Photini,
   and my gratitude runs deep.
   I agree wholeheartedly about pen pal culture. Perhaps it is
   similar to the "strangers on a bus" syndrome, where you
   sometimes feel more at ease with a stranger than with someone
   you see everyday, but really I'm not sure why. I just know I
   enjoy it. Pen pals often seem closer. Maybe because the
   interactions are simpler. It would make a fasctinating study, I
   agree.