Why cards are so important
It’s Creative Kindness Week at ScrapbookCom. And as a creative collaborator with that company, I have seen first hand the amazingness that is Cards For Kindness®. As a matter of fact, while not direct recipients of the wonderful outreach that ‘Cards’ is, I have had an up close look at what cards and words sent in the mail or through someone can do. Let me share a little journaling I wrote a few days ago.
First, if you do not already know, my Mom is suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She had been in remission for many months but the cancer reoccurred this summer. She is currently in a Denver hospital, about an hour and a half from where we all live, to undergo intensive therapy. So I am taking this opportunity this Creative Kindness week to speak first hand into my observation of someone who is on the receiving end of a card…or two.
August 7 2024
Denver
As I sit here with my mom in the hospital on day two of this round of intensive chemotherapy, she is reading cards sent to her in the mail with a postage stamp and cancellation mark. Yeah, I know…what’s that? She is so very touched by friends and acquaintances reaching out to her by way of cards and words. Some even write her a whole letter. She’s absolutely touched to tears.
I’m struck by the impression these slips of paper with handwritten words are making on her in this moment. She is even reading some of them out loud to my Dad who is here with us.
I’m also struck by the watching of a pastime that just might be slipping through our history. I know for myself, as much as I wish I would be better at it, I just do not send cards like I use to.
As has been shared on this blog previously, I use to be an avid penpal. There was a handful of friends in my elementary and junior high days that I would write to frequently. I even had a camp counselor that would write me as well. Those were all so impressive to my young heart.
Now. Of course, a lot of this has been replaced with the quick send of a text. But here’s what I am thinking, I’m thinking it’s not quite the same. A text is not quite the impact a hand written note can be.
I am often asked by dear friends what can they do for us during this time. Do we need anything? And honestly, a gift card for a meal in a pinch is always helpful. And goodness knows a Starbucks card to help fuel the driving back and forth to Denver is never turned down. But when someone checks in. When someone simply shares ‘praying for you’. When someone sends my mama a card to encourage this long hospital stay? It really really means quite a lot. Most especially to her. (end of journal entry)
We makers love to make stuff. Creative Kindness® Week is a wonderful creative exercise that is fitting for those of us who like to make, and it serves a good cause. That’s for certain.
Consider this a personal invitation to be a part of Creative Kindness® Week. And participate in the beautiful work that is Card For Kindness®. To be sure, I have a stack of handmade cards ready to send in and give back as I have watched my mom receive.
Hope this post today inspires you to be curious about this cards initiative. You can read more about that initiative HERE.
Also, watch for a VIDEO coming to the YouTube Channel this week that talks in depth about these cards plus an additional card tutorial.
One more thing:
Cards for Kindness Stamp Set! Regularly $16.00, grab this deal for FREE for a limited time! (Limit 1 per customer) Offer while supplies last through Friday, August 16, midnight.
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