A Postcard from the Past: A 47-Year Delay in Delivery
In a remarkable twist of fate, a retired couple from Pernant, Aisne, received a postcard that was sent nearly half a century ago. On November 4, Gérard Dupressoir discovered the unexpected missive while collecting the mail. The postcard, dated August 16, 1977, was a friendly holiday note from Paulette, a close friend and former neighbor who passed away in 2014. The message read, "Friendly holiday souvenir, very nice weather. Lots of sunburn. See you soon. Big kisses."
Gérard humorously remarked to his wife, "Madame Doublemart has been resurrected," reflecting on the surreal nature of receiving a card from someone who had long since departed. Micheline Dupressoir expressed her regret that Paulette never knew her card had finally arrived, highlighting the poignant connection to their past.
The Mystery of the Lost Postcard
The Dupressoirs were left puzzled as to how the postcard could have been lost for so many years. According to La Poste, the French postal service, such occurrences, while rare, are not unheard of. The postcard may have been misplaced in a sorting machine and only recently discovered during routine work. La Poste emphasized its commitment to delivering all mail, regardless of how long it takes, stating, "This is the reason why any letter found and subject to aberrant delivery times will be delivered to its recipient or beneficiary."
Micheline noted that they have not changed their address in decades, which likely contributed to the postcard finally reaching them. She also mentioned attempts to contact Paulette's grandchildren to share the news, but those efforts have not yet yielded results.
A Nostalgic Reminder of Friendship
This incident serves as a nostalgic reminder of friendships past and the enduring connections that can transcend time. The Dupressoirs' story resonates with many, especially in an age where sending postcards is becoming increasingly rare. The couple's lighthearted reaction to the unexpected delivery highlights the joy that can come from unexpected surprises, even those that arrive decades late.
