Card Memories

I’ve been doing a little spring cleaning and organizing over the past month or so. Clearing out closets, drawers, and old storage boxes. This weekend’s task was an old “junk” drawer of mine. You know the one where you put anything and everything that just doesn’t have a normal place in your day to day living. Well my junk drawer is where I store old cards, invitations, and letters that I just can’t bring myself to throw out. And what a treat it was going through that pile and taking a trip through the past few years looking at my Card Memories.

Now I wouldn’t call myself a “hoarder” by any means, but I do keep more items than I should for sentimental reasons. Sometimes I curse this about myself and other times, like this weekend, I’m thankful for it.

A chance to look back at the milestones I’ve had over the past few years.

Words of congratulations for graduating college.

Or for getting a job promotion at work.

Happy Birthday wishes from my co-workers (a.k.a. my “herd”).

As well as my parents (whom always seem to send a certain type of birthday card).

Seriously…. I think they have fun sending these.

And I’m not complaining.

I have cards for almost any holiday.

New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Thanksgving

And of course Christmas cards.

Soooo many wonderful Christmas cards.

Including my Grandma’s last Christmas card she sent before passing away.

Or this sweet Christmas card from my friend Bailey and her family.

Complete with some colored cows.

I have wedding invitations.

Followed by baby shower invitations.

A thank you card from a time my best friend was going through a rough patch.

A sweet scribbled “thinking of you” note from a wonderful woman who made sure I survived and thrived in college.

And so many other kind thank you notes from friends and family.

In a world of text messages, FaceTime, and emails there is something extra special in receiving a handwritten message.

Something tangible, that can be held in your hands. Something that can collect dust and be stored in a “junk” drawer. Just for you to happen upon at a later time, igniting a flood of memories and people that make your life so special.

Yes. It may take extra work, time, and money, but take a moment to write a simple note of thanks, love, and or appreciation to someone special in your life. It’s a simple gesture, but one that may have a larger impact than you may ever know.