From Sweden to Saskatchewan: A Transatlantic Song of Friendship
What if one phone call could change the trajectory of your life? That’s exactly what happened to me when I picked up the phone in a small office in Sölvesborg, Sweden in 1997. On the other end of the line was Janne, a man who would not only save the day for the youth project I was there to lead, but also become part of a second family to me—a bond that remains strong to this day.
At 19, I left home to embark on a year of cultural exchange with an international youth organization. The program was dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and leadership through the arts. Alongside friends from 21 countries, I traveled to 11 countries, engaging in community service projects, performing in a musical theater production, and staying with host families.
Halfway through the tour, in early 1997, I was assigned to help prepare for our group’s visit to the small town of Sölvesborg, Sweden. For five weeks, Julia from Russia, Claudia from Switzerland, and I worked to promote our performance, find host families, arrange meals, and organize service projects for over 100 young people.
It was an enormous task for three young adults with no professional experience, no knowledge of the local language, and no prior connection to the country. Thankfully, we encountered many generous people who came to our aid.
Meeting Janne and his family
My unexpected (& longtime) Swedish friend, Janne.
Among these helpers was Janne, a devoted father, husband, and active member of the community. I still remember answering the phone in our small office at Sölvesborg’s town hall and hearing Janne’s voice offering to lend a hand. We bonded immediately over our shared love of music, theater, and volunteerism.
Janne became our guide, driver, and lifeline, ensuring that our visit was a resounding success. But what stayed with me even more deeply were the seeds of friendship that were planted. Janne, his wife Lotta, and their children welcomed me into their home, making me feel like part of their family—whether we were sharing a meal, playing a game, or making music together.
Over the next decade, we visited each other regularly in Canada, Sweden, Germany, and even Turkey. These visits became a cherished ritual, and over time, Janne and his family truly became a second family to me.
Friendship (and musical collaborations!) across time and distance
As life progressed—with marriages, children, and the responsibilities of adulthood—our visits grew less frequent. Still, we remained connected, thanks to technology and our shared commitment to staying in touch.
In December last year—nearly 28 years after we first met—Janne invited me to collaborate on a special project with his family. He had written a song, and nearly 20 of his family members, including Lotta, their children, and grandchildren, contributed their voices and instruments. I was honored to add my vocals to the project, which was released on YouTube—a testament to how music and connection can bridge generations and continents.
Recording vocals with the help of my friend, Luke Ryalls.
But the most exciting chapter in our musical journey just happened last week.
A song we began co-writing back in 2001, when Janne and Lotta visited me in Canada, has finally been released on all platforms! Saskatchewan Moon features me on vocals and Janne and his band, Froding, on instruments. It’s a toe-tapper inspired by our shared experiences and a tribute to the enduring friendship that began with a single phone call.
Listen to Saskatchewan Moon below!
Click image above to listen on Spotify!
Click image above to listen on YouTube!
Cherishing connection through story and ritual
This story reminds me of the power of connection, creativity, and shared experiences to weave meaning into our lives. These are also the principles I bring into my work as a Legacy Guide and Celebrant, helping people reflect on the moments and relationships that matter most.
Whether it’s through one-on-one guidance, a workshop, custom ceremony, or a meaningful collaboration, I’d love to help you honor the people and stories that define your life. Explore my services here!
Photo credit: Emma Love Photography
Author: Karla Combres
As a Legacy Guide & Celebrant, I help individuals, couples, families and organizations make the big and small moments in life count, and shape their legacy along the way. I offer:
Drawing on my vast experience as a Life-Cycle Celebrant and in working with people at the end of life, I am uniquely qualified to help people move through transitions meaningfully and to think about how they want to leave this world so they can live better now.
I’m based in Saskatchewan, Canada and serve clients worldwide. Read more about me here.