Special Cards that Speak Thinking of You...Worth Their Weight in Gold!

Going through Grandmother's box of keepsakes in the attic the other day, I came across a small collection of special cards, stacked one on top of the other; tied with a worn, powder blue satin ribbon. Get well cards, sympathy cards, anniversary cards, thinking of you cards, and more. Some of the cards were dated as far back as 1963.

Near the middle of the pile I found a cheerful paper card depicting a lively bluebird sitting on a blossom-laden branch of a dogwood tree. It looked familiar; my emotions began to stir. Sitting on a dusty trunk nearby, I opened the card and was surprised to see the sender of the card was me.

Dated 1968, the message inside read Dear Grandmother, a little bluebird told me today that you were thinking of me. So I just sent you this card to say I was thinking of you, too. I can't wait until I come for my visit next month! Until then, all my love, Lori.

Through blurry eyes I looked at the front of the card again. Translucent glitter brought the little bird to life, his expression sweet as he sang happy notes that rose above his head. I remembered the card now, and I remembered sending it.

When I turned the card over I saw yet another note, this penciled in Grandmother's graceful penmanship. Dear, sweet Lori...you will never know what getting this card meant to me today!

Tears sprang to life, realizing how much my simple gesture of sending the card had meant to Grandmother those many years ago. As a child of 12-years, I hadn't realized how lonely life without Grandfather had become. Or how much she looked forward to my summertime visits.

The Impact Real Greeting Cards Can Have

Get well cards, sympathy cards, and thinking of you cards are among some of the most special cards there are. Paper cards that say I understand...and I am here for you. Cards that generate warmth and have the power to lift gloom or sadness in the life of another; special cards that speak I am thinking of you, and I care, can be priceless to the recipient.

Sending a paper card to someone who is ill or going through a difficult time; someone who is lonely or someone who has experienced loss can mean so very much to that person. Besides the color and beauty provided by the card that immediately cheers the room and puts a smile on the receiver's face, showcased on a shelf or table top, the card is also a reminder that someone cares.

With 11.5 million Americans who suffer depression each year, over 6 million of which are elderly persons who have experienced losses and loneliness, sending a cheery card just to say Thinking of you today is a compassionate gesture that goes a long way in turning a sad frown right-side up.

Inside the special card why not add a cute poem, a short note about how special that person is, a picture of the children, or something else of interest to them; how the garden is growing, new tricks the puppy has learned, or how Sarah's piano lessons are coming along.

When a child or an adult is sick abed, feeling gloomy inside and isolated from the world outside, a get well card bearing a goofy clown or roses abloom in a garden is sure to please. Get well cards can be serious or funny, depending upon the individual situation.

In the child's card, write a message letting them know you are concerned for them and hope they feel better. Include a small colorful gift such as an activity book to help pass the time. A special bookmark, herbal tea bag, or embroidered hanky tucked inside a get-well card for an adult makes receiving the card extra special!

Offering Support In Times of Need

Cards that offer encouragement should always include a personal message, warm and sincere. Let them know you care; tell them how special they are, or how proud you are of them. Keep messages sensitive yet upbeat; offer genuine support.

Sympathy cards should include messages sincere, solemn, and comforting. Don't be afraid to let the person know how much you care, and how sorry you are for their loss. Because the person is probably drained emotionally, keep the message short and uncomplicated.

We may never know the impact cards of kindness have on the recipient. But such cards stowed as keepsakes, embraced by a worn ribbon that has been untied and retied many times, lend convincing testimony.

Taking the time to select special cards - whether get well cards, sympathy cards, or one with the message Thinking of you - brightens the life of the one who receives it. Such cards truly are worth their weight in gold!

Article written by: Lori S. Anton