Correspondent of the Day: Notes Say ‘I Care,“ Hand-Written or Not

Notes Say 'I Care,' Hand-Written or Not
Editor, Times-Dispatch Correspondent of the Day Cecil Johnson, "Hand-Written Notes Show Old-Fashioned Love," lamented the lack, apparently, of people who hand-write their expressions of love, sympathy, and gratitude, choosing instead from a wide array of pre-written cards.

There is indeed no finer expression than that displayed by a hand-written note. However, if he were to visit the well-known greeting card store in which I work, he would find me helping those people who don't know quite what to say to find a card that expresses their thanks, their empathy, or whatever it is they wish to express. These people are sometimes in a difficult situation and a pre-written card gives them an opening, if you will, to initiate a greeting. Most times they add their personal sentiment as well.

I am grateful that I am able, on most occasions, to help. And when they have found a card that begins to express just a fraction of what they want to say, my job becomes more than just a job. These cards do not take away from any sentiment, nor do I believe the receiver is duped into the belief that this was custom written; they simply provide a means of saying that one cares enough to make the effort to find the perfect sentiment.

I hope that people never stop using the mail to send expressions of themselves, whether by hand-written note or by greeting card.

Truly, that is what keeps us connected.

Ruth B. Bowman.
Midlothian.