It Must Be Heaven

Gore woman Gay Dillon and Joni Knight from Langley, British Columbia have been penpals for 45 years. Knight finally got to meet Dillon in person in 2010, when she travelled to New Zealand with her cousin Connie McGrath. When they became penpals, Dillon was in her 20s, and Knight was nine years older. As Knight navigated the potholes that would mark her life, the pair exchanged details about births, marriages, breakups, and deaths. They found it enchanting. “It was like heaven,” Knight said, adding quickly, “I hope heaven is like this.” They loved the mountains and the meadows, the churches and the food. All were outstanding, Knight said. And their host helped make the holiday a dream. “She’s a hilarious lady,” Knight said. “She’s very artistic, and I think that’s what drew us together.”