They say that the road to Heaven is paved with good intentions. It’s probably true. Think of all the times you wanted to acknowledge someone else; good times, bad times, but you couldn’t, so you didn’t.
It was a missed opportunity to make a difference in the life of another. There is essentially something immortal in the written word. You should know by now that texting something, (especially if you’ve been imbibing in something of some strength) doesn’t always work out well because the written word never goes away. The same is true for notes. You can literally change the outcome of someone else’s day based on a note you sent. It’s not meant to scare you, rather it’s designed to enlighten and inspire you to put those thoughts to paper and share them with another. There are essentially only two types of news, good and bad. Either way, you can enrich the life of another soul by acknowledging either of them. It’s easier than you think if you know what to say.
The first thing to know is that whether the news is good or bad, people liked to feel validated and acknowledged. Whether it’s a new baby or a tragic death, people do not want to be forgotten. They will already be happy to have an envelope in their hands. It’s not so much the words as it is the thoughts behind it. When you send a card to another, put your name with your return address. Already, the person is thinking kindly of you because you have taken the time to go the snail mail route and think of them. Remember this when you think that you don’t know what to write; you’ve already done what you set out to do in making this person feel better. The envelope in his or her hand is evidence that Someone Else Cares.
When you choose a card, it can be overwhelming, but don’t despair. Even a plain blank note with a flower or a sailboat on the front will suffice, you are sending love, the means is not the important part.
Address the inside of the card with everyone’s name. Dear So-and-so. Take the time and write everyone’s name. Spell each name correctly. That means a lot. Including everyone makes each person feel special. That’s the goal here so just list all of them.
Dear So-and So, I am so happy/sad for you. What wonderful/terrible news. I am thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything you need. I would be happy to help in any way I can. You can reach me at this number ________. You are in my thoughts with love, and sign your name.
That’s all. Nothing more. You made another person feel better. That’s what you set out to do. Well done, you! Whether people are grieving or in the throes of ecstasy, they only need know that you know about their situations and that you care. Lots of flowery words and trying to fill up a huge blank card don’t really matter. In fact, choose a small card and envelope if you feel you haven’t written enough. Trust me though, you did. Even the smallest kind act means much to a person, no matter what the situation.