Skype: Forging A Friendship Across Hemispheres
Thanks to technological advances, the world is getting smaller every day making it easier than ever for family and friends to stay in contact, despite distances between them. This is an inspiring and unique story of how technology has enabled a friendship among two young girls living thousands of miles apart who share a somewhat unique similarity.
Sarah Stump, 15, of Nappanee, and Paige Taylor, 16, of New Zealand, have been communicating for years through email and Skype to cope with their daily challenges of an extremely rare condition they share. Each of the girls was born without part of their left arm.
When Sarah’s mom was about 20 weeks pregnant, she learned of her unborn baby’s condition and began searching the Internet for answers. She found Paige’s mom and the two women connected to help their daughters and themselves feel less alone.
As the years passed, the women lost touch with each other, but Sarah said, “When I was 8 I needed someone there who could understand everything about me. I was like, I want to find Paige.”
“My mom got an email from her mom and apparently they had been looking for us for 3 years,” Paige explained. “We started emailing first and I asked her if she had Skype.”
Through the power of technology, the two girls used the Internet to forge a friendship. They have continued for 8 years to have weekly chat sessions via Skye and discuss their daily challenges. But while they’ve been best friends for so long, they’ve only recently met in person.
Sarah flew to New Zealand where she and Paige shared an emotional first meeting. And yes, their Skype sessions – and their friendship – have continued.
“Some best friends come and go,” said Sarah. “I feel like Paige will always be my best friend, no matter what.”