I love getting gifts from my fourth grade students. It makes no difference if it’s a mug, a hand-drawn picture, or a gift card to my favorite coffee watering hole. I’m always honored that they deemed me worthy of a teacher gift.
I try to make it a point to have a hand-crafted thank you card for the gift-giver the very next day. In fact, I often keep a stash of my designs in my desk drawer so I can write the note at recess and get it to them as we’re lining up for dismissal.
Most instances, the student rips open the envelope to check what’s inside while still standing in line. My heart leaps from so much joy. To think that my thank you note brings them just as much joy as I experienced receiving their modest gift gives me goosebumps.
Most heart-warming is when the thanks come full circle. Every time I have given Eeliyah a thank you card, she has pulled me aside and whispered, “Mrs. Palmerin, thank you for the card.”
I have to admit, I’m teary-eyed just remembering her soft voice in my ear. To think that a few minutes of my time composing two to three sentences inside my hand-made card could create a circle of kindness and thanks is a great reminder of the power of a hand-crafted, hand-written card. It’s why I create.
Today when I received a spring gift from Natalie, I opened my drawer and browsed through my stash of cards. I had to smile when I reached the back of the box and eyed the little beauty I share with you today. The Brilliant Blue and Real Red card throws me back to my early years with Stampin’ Up! The colors and stamps may be long-retired, but the tradition of the hand-crafted, hand-written card to convey thanks is fresh at work.
A small hand-made card can make a huge impact.