In a remarkable display of dedication and family devotion, Luke Francis, the head postmaster from Cornwall, took an extraordinary 4,000-mile (4,200 km) journey to hand-deliver a 100th birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The recipient of this special delivery was his great aunt, Emlyn Makofsky, residing in Florida.
A Journey Across Continents
Luke Francis made the long journey from Cornwall to Florida, donning his formal postman uniform, to deliver the birthday telegram personally. Reflecting on the moment, he commented that this was “the furthest I’ve ever delivered anything.” It was a heartfelt tribute to his family, showcasing the importance of personal connection and the privilege he felt in completing this monumental task.
Emlyn Makofsky’s Reaction
When Mrs. Makofsky received the birthday card, her joy was evident. Upon removing the card from its envelope, she expressed her gratitude with a simple “thank you” before breaking into laughter. For Mrs. Makofsky, the telegram was not only a personal milestone but also a reminder of her long and rich life.
A Family Tradition of Hand-Delivered Birthday Telegrams
This wasn’t the first time Luke Francis had delivered a birthday telegram to a family member. In 2019, he had traveled on horseback to deliver a 100th birthday telegram to his grandmother, demonstrating his commitment to creating lasting memories for his loved ones.
Mr. Francis fondly recalled, “It was a special day… she thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a momentous occasion and it was a great privilege to do it for another member of my family.” He also humorously added, “There is longevity in the family. My Nanny’s secret was sherry—but Aunty Emlyn doesn’t drink, so I’m not quite sure what hers is.”
Emlyn Makofsky’s Life Story
Born in Kilkhampton and raised in Morwenstow, Mrs. Makofsky’s life has been full of adventures. A nurse by profession, she moved to Newquay during the Second World War, where she met her future husband, Chester, at a dance at the RAF camp at St Mawgan. They married in July 1945, had their reception at a restaurant in Newquay, and later emigrated to America, where they raised their family.
Mrs. Makofsky, now 100, has lived in the United States for many years, with brief returns to the UK during her lifetime. Her life story is one of love, adventure, and resilience.
The Postmaster’s Privilege
For Luke Francis, delivering these significant telegrams is a regular but meaningful part of his job. He has delivered several birthday telegrams for 100th birthdays and diamond wedding anniversaries over the years, each occasion marked by happiness and appreciation.
“It is always a happy occasion for the couple or individual and it is always a privilege to put on your number one uniform and make it an even more special occasion for them,” he said.
A Cornish Treat for a Special Aunt
To make the occasion even more memorable, the day after Mrs. Makofsky’s birthday, Mr. Francis treated her to a homemade Cornish pasty. She had been “longing” for one, and the pasty reminded her of her roots and the times she spent in Cornwall. “It reminded her of the old days, which she was over the moon about,” Mr. Francis said.
FAQs
1. Why did Luke Francis travel so far to deliver the telegram?
Luke Francis traveled to Florida to personally deliver a 100th birthday telegram from King Charles III and Queen Camilla to his great aunt, Emlyn Makofsky, marking a special family milestone.
2. Is this a common practice for postmasters to deliver telegrams personally?
While it’s not common for postmasters to deliver telegrams in person, Luke Francis has done so for significant family events, including the 100th birthdays of relatives.
3. What is the secret behind Emlyn Makofsky’s longevity?
While her sister’s secret to longevity was sherry, Mrs. Makofsky doesn’t drink, so the key to her long life remains a mystery, though family longevity runs strong in the family.
4. What special treat did Luke Francis make for his aunt after her birthday?
After Mrs. Makofsky’s birthday, Luke made her a Cornish pasty, a dish she had been craving and that reminded her of her younger days in Cornwall.
Conclusion
Luke Francis’s dedication to delivering this special telegram and the deep family connection he has with his great aunt is a testament to the power of tradition, family bonds, and the significance of life’s milestones. The journey to Florida not only marked Mrs. Makofsky’s 100th birthday but also illustrated how small gestures can make big moments unforgettable.