Why Write Cards?

Photo credit by Ling Ling Zheng Photography

Cards can spark friendship.

Being an Asian-American and minority at school was hard; I couldn't fit in and no one really understood me. In Junior High, I sent a “Get Well” card to a girl in my youth group I didn't know very well. She sent me a “Thank You” card for the “Get Well” card, and suddenly we were hand writing letters back and forth, every week. What started as an incidental greeting card turned into endless phone calls, sleepovers, and a best friend. She was the maid of honor at my wedding.

Cards can empower.

In college, my Dad wrote me an encouragement card while I was on my first big trip without parents. He told me he was proud of me, believed in me, and that my gifts as an artist and writer would be used to bless others. Only a year or two later, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. When I feel self-doubt and hear voices of defeat, I reach for his card and I re-read it. I can hear his voice through his words.

Cards can speak for us.

Writing a card to someone makes us pause (hard to do, nowadays)--and say to our loved ones, “I see you. I believe in you. I love you." And who knows? You might just end up with a bestie! Or write life-changing words that inspire for a lifetime. You might just end up being changed yourself. ♥