The power of the pen

I eagerly ripped open the tiny envelope my husband had placed in my hands. It’s not often we get mail sent to our house and it’s always a treat to see a pretty hand-addressed envelope when I’m pretty sure it contains a card. 

You see, I love cards. I’ve just sent out a manifesto asking for no presents for my 35th birthday, which rolls around in a few days, requesting a handwritten card (and listing a few “non-present” alternatives for those who I know won’t be satisfied with just a card). 

But back to cards. I love ’em and I’m sure I’m not alone. 

And this card was even more special than most due to its completely unexpected nature. It was from one of my husband’s friends. We’ve met three times in person: once in Canada (where he lives), once at his wedding and then a few weeks ago when he and his lovely wife stayed with us at our home. 

The card was beautifully written (not unexpected, as this chap has a way with words that lead me to crown his wedding speech “un-toppable”) but it was the mere fact that he’d thought to send a card that floored me. 

The card thanked me for lending him my husband (so to speak). They’d been on a boys’ fishing trip the weekend before and the card said he knew there were extra challenges with me being at home with our two little ones and just how much these sorts of trips meant to him with him living out of the country and just how appreciative he was. Not exactly what you’d expect from a 30-something guy without kids of his own, eh? 

This card will be remembered and, you can bet, if my husband is needed on another boys’ trip for this thoughtful friend, he’ll be handed over willingly. 

One stamp. One piece of cardboard. One envelope. Huge power. What can you do with that arsenal this week? 

This will be the last of Kirsty’s blogs on SmartCompany for a while as she is going on an indefinite hiatus.