Thank You Notes

By Katherine Mike

              Thank You Notes-A Vanishing Expression of Gratitude that needs to be resurrected.

           My Mama(she was never Mother) told me that a written note was absolutely the best way to express appreciation for a gift, an act of generosity, or words of concern and kindness. Since I had a love affair with any type of pretty stationery, cutesy note cards, birthday cards, even No. 10 envelopes and notebook paper, I searched for the need to send written communications. My only problem was the cost of the stamps-I had to save my small allowance to buy my own postage. They were very much an extravagance even at a nickel a piece for me. 

 I joyfully took over the task of sending my family’s Christmas cards when I was around 12 and continued to do so for the next 40 years or so for my parents.

Two English teachers encouraged my love of note writing as I grew older. Miss Hall and Mrs. Love reinforced the importance of writing words of appreciation and thanks, and thank goodness there was always a reason to send a card or write a note-birthdays, graduations, wedding, baby showers, and holidays.

Today, I continue my love of sending notes-sometimes it seems that sympathy cards top the list. Many of my cards today go to my children and grandchildren-who love getting a letter in the mail rather than a screen shot of a thumbs up or “praying hands”.

Most of my card sending is to my clients, mainly seniors. This wisest and most experienced part of our population is also the most under-served and overlooked. Many notes are written to thank them for trusting me with their health and life insurance needs. Some are written just to stay in touch with a person who touched my life in a special way. Others are written just so that a person will receive a message of kindness in the mailbox-which is woefully empty most days.

Future generations will continue to use electronic media more and more-that is a given. Hopefully, there will be a “Mama” or Miss Hall or Mrs. Love in some of their lives to encourage them to give the gift of hand written notes.  I love to ramble through the isles of places like TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby looking for the perfect cards. You can also shop online with them at www.tjmaxx.tjx.com and www.hobbylobby.com. Happy writing!