Day 381

Thank you notes are becoming a rare commodity and almost extinct in this day and age of technological wonders! Today was the exception to that dire prediction! Ranger and I enjoyed reading a story to each of the first grade rooms at Oxbow Elementary where we were showered with gifts and thank you notes! The cards, created by the students, were eloquent, thoughtful and from the heart...our hearts were warmed by each and every offering.

Reading my first book, "The Child Who Changed the World," each class sat with Ranger as I shared the story. The book's main theme is "pay-it-forward" and the results just might lead to a positive change in the world. When asking one class what that phrase meant, a young boy politely raised his hand and said, "It really means good karma. If you do good things, it will come back to you in a good way." That boy is certainly going to make this world a better place!

When we were young, writing thank you notes for a gift received was simply something we did without question. It helped the giver know that the present was appreciated and that their thoughtfulness meant something.

My own children were guided to write thank you notes for gifts received on birthdays and holidays. One of our most beloved "family thank you note stories" would be when daughter Amanda sent a thank you to Mac (then a stranger), a thank you for a Dallas Hard Rock Cafe guitar pin she received though a brief encounter during the Odyssey of the Minds World competition. At the bottom of her note, she asked him to be her pen pal. The rest is history!

Receiving a thank you note, or any missive in 'snail mail," is a real treat for me. I know it is easier to text, email or Facebook message a greeting, but you simply can't hold those in your hand. The messages within those hand-written cards are treasured more than the giver might ever imagine.

I have a large box (or two, or three...) with every card or letter that has ever found its way into my hands. When I have displayed the card for a few days, it is lovingly place in my "Treasure Box" to be read over and over through the years. When I started collecting these written messages, I had no idea how precious each one would become, over time. When I carve out a moment for a visit to the "Treasure Box," I travel down Memory Lane and relive moments, gifts and love shared by family and friends.

I am certain that I will continue to send many cards, letters and thank you notes through the years to come. Even if the recipient does not have a "Treasure Box," I hope they know each was sent with love and gratitude for their friendship and giving hearts.

As for Ranger, he prefers his thank you "notes" in the form of a doggy treat...thank you very much!