Think of the last wedding you attended; the last time you celebrated a friend's birthday, or the birth of their child. Chances are, a greeting card was involved. Whether you grabbed it last minute from your local drugstore or carefully perused the aisles of Hallmark, it's likely that there was a section geared toward whatever occasion or situation you were acknowledging. But what if there's not?
Despite the growing number of greeting card sub-categories and a marketable awareness of people's needs in our diverse world, it's still a potential challenge to find just the right way to express ourselves, particularly when touchy or taboo subject matter is involved. The best example of this is a terminal illness or a grave medical condition, such as AIDS or cancer.
While it's true that AIDS isn't the death sentence it once was and many types of cancer can be treated and overcome, those diagnosed with these diseases knows that at the end of the day, they're fighting for their lives. This may be a loved one, a co-worker, or perhaps someone from your past that you haven't spoken to in a while. You want to let them know you're thinking of them; so how do you wish them well in a way that is tasteful and appropriate? You may be wondering how a flimsy greeting card, with someone else's words or drawings, possibly convey what you want to say?
Kate
The answer is that what you say is far more important that how you choose to say it, and while an uplifting message of strength or faith is a common choice, even the smallest personal touch can adds an element of authenticity that makes it special. Patients suffering from cancer are understandably prone to depression, as they're experiencing many changes and are likely in some pain, especially if they're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. With this in mind, sharing a recent anecdote or recalling a funny memory from the past is a welcome distraction from the seriousness of their current situation.
While its important to not appear insincere or callous, a close friend or relative will likely appreciate a little dose of bedside comedy. If you're dealing with an open-minded friend (who has begun losing their hair yet proudly maintains their sense of humor), you can joke about how they need to hurry up and get better, as the local hair salon is abuzz with what kind of wig they should get!
The important thing is to let the person know what they mean to you and that you are thinking of them. Giving and receiving a card is touching and timeless, and it's not the time to offer unsolicited medical advice or unwittingly provide false hope about an experimental cure that you recently heard about. It's the simplest of gestures, one that yields the biggest results -- widened smiles and raised spirits.
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