As you may recall, I gave my (former) mother-in-law a hint before I sent the box filled with 82 birthday cards for her. I said, I'm sending you a box with 82 birthday cards in it.
She seemed a bit bewildered and then excited by the thought that people all over the U.S. AND in other countries had sent cards for her 80th birthday.
Well, a few days after she received the box she called me. (Get out your hankie.)
She said she had the cards in a basket next to her and she had looked through all of them and was re-reading some each day. She couldn't believe what beautiful cards they were and that so many of you wrote kind notes to her. She asked me to thank you and tell you how much the cards mean to her.
Then she said it, the thing that really got me. She said, This makes me feel as if my life has been worthwhile.
Take heart, Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell. You've done a good thing.
Please don't fret if I haven't mentioned receiving your card. They continue to trickle in, and I'll be sending her more as they arrive. The mail seems to be a bit slower coming from some countries. It's okay. She'll be happy to get more cards. It gives her something exciting to look forward to now that the holidays are over.
I thank you. I feel such gratitude for all of you, whether you sent a card or not. And so many of you tweeted or mentioned on your blogs that I was gathering cards. Thank you. And thank you again.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
That is so awesome! I'm happy that you collected over 80 cards, and that your mother-in-law really liked them. You're a good ex-daughter-in-law!
ReplyDeleteThis project helped us to be closer and more loving.
DeleteAww, that's wonderful. I hope my card arrived. Since it hasn't come back I'm guessing did. I'm happy to have played a part.
ReplyDeleteYes, it did. Thank you so very much.
DeleteI am so happy to have played a small part in this. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth.
DeleteMission accomplished! :) And I'd blame those lazy mail people... they really should stop eating donuts and get to work! There's cards to be delivered!
ReplyDeleteWhip them into shape, Juli!
DeleteSO glad you got over 80--& so glad I was able to help!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, fishducky.
DeleteYou did the good thing Janie! All we did was send the cards. So happy she loved them. It's all about the little things.
ReplyDeleteYou all made it happen.
DeleteEveryone should feel like their life has been worthwhile and you've done a wonderful thing reminding her of this.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for her.
DeleteOh my god. That's the sweetest thing ever. I almost rolled a tear. Do you know how dead I am inside? How dare you make me feel things. In all seriousness, I'm so happy to have been able to contribute to such a wonderful amazing thing. Thank you for thinking about it, and bringing it to life, and allowing us to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteYou are not dead inside. It's an act, so cut it out and let your true sweetness show more often.
DeleteAmazing. Simply amazing. Just one tiny idea of yours got such great response and made her 80th birthday a wonderful one. Glad its not over yet and that she looks forward to the rest. What a thoughtful ex-daughter-in-law you are :)
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Birthday to her!
Thank you, S. Katherine.
DeleteI must have signed on late for this promotion. I do know your birthday isn't over until you've received the last card; will you point me back to the post with mailing instructions so I can wish your mother in law a proper happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't become a follower until after I'd finished collecting cards. If you'd still like to send a card for Margaret's 80th birthday, please send it to
DeleteJanie Goltz
PO Box 61371
Jacksonville FL 32236
She especially likes Christian-themed cards.
Oh, gosh. Big old lump in my throat. I am SO very glad you did this, and that you allowed us to be a part.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have done it without you.
DeleteThat is awesome. I am so glad she was moved by the cards. It is sometimes small things that can make us feel the best...Not that 82 cards is a small thing, lol.
ReplyDeleteMany small things turned into a big thing.
DeleteYou did a great thang there, Miss Bug.
ReplyDelete-andi
It worked out very well, Miss Myoo.
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ReplyDeleteI wish I had been able to send a card, but things were so chaotic here that I was never even sure what it was about until it was over. Next time, you can count on me and whoever I can think of to send in all the cards you want.
ReplyDeleteI know you've had a lot going on. We had plenty of cards. Thank you for your kind comment.
Delete*wiping away a tear* That's amazing. Janie, way to do something that took a great deal of effort and really made a difference. You rock.
ReplyDeleteI rock in a rocking chair.
DeleteI am glad she loved the cards, and that you made her feel her life was worthwhile
ReplyDeleteI'm glad, too, and so grateful for all the help I received.
Delete"This makes me feel as if my life has been worthwhile." I want to cry.
ReplyDeleteThere are many people who appreciate the simple things in life. A simple card.
I used to tell my students to write a card to me instead of buying me a big gift. I still have their cards.
I treasured the thank you notes I received when I was a reporter. I even have one complimentary letter to the editor framed and hanging in my bathroom.
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