I’M OLD SCHOOL. I like to give and receive greeting cards. Why? It’s personal. Much more personal than anything sent electronically.
I also happen to write freelance greeting card verses for a faith-based publishing company in Anderson, Indiana. I’ve done that for years, so long I can’t recall when I started. But I appreciate that Warner Christian Resources (formerly Warner Press) prints the writer’s name on the back of each card. Currently, all the cards in the boxed set, “Sympathy—Classic Condolences,” are printed with verses I penned. Order a box of these 12 cards, four designs (click here), and you’ll read my verses and see my name on the backs of the cards. I have one other card in a 2023 get well collection.
Typically I sell a handful of verses during each annual submission period. So while not particularly lucrative, writing greeting card verses for Warner challenges me. It’s not easy coming up with new ways of delivering a message. Kind of like writing poetry, every creative word counts.
Now back to greeting cards in general. I value them. They require time to choose or craft. They require putting pen to paper to sign and/or add a personal note. They require a stop at the post office or a mailbox if mailed. In other words, greeting cards take time and effort to send or give. And to me, that says something. That someone is thinking about me or I of them. That they care, that I care.
Recently, we’ve received an influx of greeting cards, starting with congratulatory wishes for Randy upon his recent retirement (well, sort of retirement as he eases into it by working fewer days each week). When I posted about his retirement, I encouraged you, my readers, to send cards. The many greetings that filled our mailbox humbled us. For Randy to receive cards from blog followers who took the time to choose or craft, sign and send greetings shows me what kind and caring hearts you have. Thank you.
Recently, I’ve also received get well cards as I deal with the difficult symptoms of vestibular neuronitis. Anyone who’s ever faced a health challenge understands just how much a card means when you’re not feeling well. Such cards uplift, encourage, show that someone cares about how you’re doing, how you’re feeling. I understand that and try to always mail cards to friends and family who need encouragement.
Lastly, Randy and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary on Monday. We’ve received a few cards. Early on in our marriage, we got lots of anniversary cards every May. Now? Not many. Maybe after you’ve been married for as long as us, the thought is not even there to send a card. I have a sister-in-law who considered it weird that I would mail an anniversary card to her and her husband. No matter her opinion, I still send them a card each year.
How about you? Are you old school like me and still appreciate greeting cards? Do you send them, receive them? Or do you prefer to convey wishes in another way, or not at all? I’d like to hear.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love cards and notes and treasure them. I love to make my own for people and hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them.
We are on the same page then, except that I don’t make my own cards. Instead, I always add a personal note to each purchased greeting card. I’m pretty certain the recipients of your homemade cards appreciate them.
As you know—- definitely old school card sender here. 😊
Yes, and I absolutely love and appreciate your many handcrafted cards.
What a great post! Keep sending those cards- even to those who think it’s weird! Anniversaries are something to celebrate!
Gretchen, I love your homemade cards, keep them all. They are works of art as well as gifts of love and care. Keep creating and sending, my friend.
Yes, I still send cards. I have a calendar that one of my daughters made back in 2010. She had a picture of the individual or individuals, printed on their birthday, or anniversary. Needless to say, I have added many names since that year, and I try to get a card out for those to receive it in time for their celebration. Hopefully, I make it in time. Recently, one of my great grand sons, born in 2011, told me he saved every card I sent him. I was so surprised. Even if only one of the many feel that way, I amso pleased.
Norma, I always appreciate your cards, most recently the anniversary card you sent to Randy and me. I feel so loved and valued whenever I receive a card. How wonderful that your great grandson is keeping the cards from you. That says a lot for the love between you two. I have letters from my paternal grandma that I kept and cherish. She didn’t send cards. But handwritten letters, yes, and I cherish them.
Yes, I also have two cards that my maternal grandma sent me back in the 1930’s. I was her only grandchild, and she was the only grandma I ever knew.
What treasures those two cards from your grandma in the 1930s. I hope your family will always cherish those.
What fun and a surprise to see my postcard on your blog. 😉
I try to send cards, and make some with my photos (or coloring), when I can.
I just love the clothesline postcard you colored and sent. You know me well, which is why this is even more meaningful.
I appreciate that you’ve sent cards to me and that you do the same for others. It is the love and encouragement which comes with the actual cards that holds such depth of care.
I love making cards, especially with the grandbabies, and receiving cards. I do have loved ones who don’t share my joy, they wonder what they’re supposed to do with the cards once they get them. Enjoy the moment and the wishes, then recycle or pass them forward as you wish? I like to keep the ones I receive, or maybe recycle parts for other projects…
Yours is a mission of not only creating and sharing care and love, but also of recycling. Keep making cards, giving them and recycling. You’ve got it right!