At my library, there's a section where you can purchase books that have been donated. I always check out the children's books for sale, because the prices are lower than the thrift stores and the books are generally in better condition. The other day I was checking out the new Christmas offerings when a card fell out of one of the books and fluttered to the floor. It was a handwritten thank you note, dated December 27, 1982 and because I'm nosy, I couldn't help reading it. I was so charmed by the heartfelt words that I swiped it to share with all of you. Yes, I stole a 28-year-old card from a book donated to the library. Arrest me now!
Here is the text of the note:
Dear Nancy,
Only a good friend would notice that my keys were ensconced in the same old ring that the car dealer gave me when I first got my car key. At any rate, I've never found a case or ring that I liked any better so I just held onto that one. Your gift is a real treasure--not only because it's heavy, large and easy to find in my purse, but also because it's a continuous reminder to me of the special friendship that we've developed over the past three years. For that, I am most grateful.
So, for you, most thoughtful friend, I thank you for my wonderful heart keychain, but most of all for being the good friend that you are.
Love,
Wendy
The note isn't fancy--the stationery is monogrammed but the words are just written in pencil. It probably didn't take long for Wendy to write but her words are heartfelt and sincere. I'm sure Nancy was delighted to receive such a sweet note from her friend! The sentiment was even charming to me, a stranger, 28 years later.
I know that etiquette has become increasingly less formal and handwritten thank you notes seem to be the exception rather than the norm now. It's certainly easier and quicker to dash off a 'thank you' via email, text or Facebook message--in 1982, Wendy didn't have those options! The words in an email can certainly be sincere, but there's just something different about getting those same words, handwritten on a card sent through the mail. In fact, maybe they are even more meaningful now, because they indicate that the sender went to more trouble to send an actual note rather than simply an email.
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| My Gram with a tiny newborn Maren |
My Gram is a thank-you-note-writer par excellence. Her notes are prompt and she has a gift for expressing her gratitude is a most heartfelt and eloquent way. Unfortunately, my dear Gram is ill and I don't know how many more sweet notes I'll have the privilege to receive from her. I do know that one of the best ways I can think of to show respect and honor for her is to be more conscientious about sending sincere, handwritten thank you notes more often; to let people know that I appreciate them and that they are worth my time and effort. It's a small gesture, but one that in my opinion makes this world just a little bit more gracious and kind.
To whom could you send a handwritten thank you note this week?
Love this post Heidi!
ReplyDeleteOh, and that note is 28 years old! (my son was born in 1982, so that's why I noticed)
But you are so right on... hand-written thank you notes are becoming a lost art... and we must keep it alive and well for the next generation.
Your post really touched me because my grandma was also a letter writer. She used to include a cute hand drawn picture of herself in each letter so that even when my boys could not read, they knew who the letter was from. She would send us silly poems she had written or funny stories just to let us know she was thinking of us. I sure miss those letters! Your post is a good reminder about how important a personal touch really is!
ReplyDeleteLove it Heidi! I am a "I have awesome intentions" thank you note writer. I write so many in my head as I am driving around or taking a shower or saying my prayers... I just need to put the thoughts into action!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post Heidi! What a sweet note. I agree with you. There is something so wonderful about giving and receiving handwritten notes. I can almost never throw them away. I was just thinking this last week, that I want to set some time aside every day with my kids where we just sit and write-- journals, notes etc... because I want to pass that on to them as well. Maybe I'll start today, after reading this post. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy grandma is a wonderful TY note writer as well.I was taught to always write them as well for ever gift for every occasion and I started my girls on that path. That being said I have been a bad girl the last two years:( Life has just been toooo busy. Not a good excuse I know. My girls will be sending out thank you notes this year:)
ReplyDeleteI always try to send thank you notes and insist that my daughter does as well. But I have noticed that I don't get many in return when I send presents. Which is sad. I think that society as a whole has lost a lot, and manners are part of what we've lost.
ReplyDeleteJust wrote - hand written that is - a thank you note to my mother-in law - that was loooong over due. I must admit that I had to type it out first before I wrote it. I just think better on the computer. It flows better for me. Perhaps that is the case for others as well(?). In any case I am sure she will appreciate the handwritten note of thanks. :- )
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