Blank inside. (93079)

I am an inveterate card sender. Unfortunately, as I am aging, it seems I am sending more condolence cards than birthday cards. Recently, a friend of mine endured a long and difficult death. I had sent him the card that says, “we don’t know what the future will bring so I want to tell you today” with a personal note that was clearly a goodbye. His wife stopped me several times after his death to tell me that it was the nicest card they had ever gotten and thanked me profusely for the card and my message. Just FYI, you are hitting the right notes. Thanks. Morgan Plant.

Needless to say, I am all over this Made in America movement.  Not only because I’m a Midwest farmer’s daughter, but also because it’s a tremendous source of pride to profitably produce a quality product in the States, when so many other manufacturers say it can’t be done. To know our Customer Care team actually cares, and speaks English thankyouverymuch.  I’m proud to have a management team of wise women who agree to salaries adjusted for the cost of their healthcare.  It’s gratifying to know that everyone on our payroll appreciates the work, and understands clearly that, if not for our hardworking Reps and valued Retail Partners, where would we be?   So, I’m wondering, what fills you with pride today?

the healing begins. (93516)

I needed to tell you how much your cards touched my heart today.  I was looking for cards for two friends who are just starting chemo and also for a sympathy card.  I was brought to tears by the brief verbiage on all the cards which so perfectly captured the photos or drawings. I loved the “Resting Bear” – he was my favorite.  You are truly gifted and I know God has used you to touch many.  I am enjoying looking at your web site to see all that you offer.
God bless.

their love lasts our lifetime. (13033)

A friend and her five-year-old golden retriever had run the same path nearly every day since the dog was a pup. On a recent run, the dog suddenly stopped, collapsed and, when my friend ran to him, died there in her arms. After carrying the dog home, she was inconsolable, as was her eight-year-old son, for whom the dog was like a family member.
I sent my friend the Cardthartic card that shows the little boy and the golden on a beach looking out at the ocean. The caption reads, “No matter how or when we lose our best friends … their love lasts our lifetime.” Once she’d received the card, she came to my office, gave me a big hug, and told me that — reading it — she had been moved to tears. She couldn’t believe I had found a card that completely captured the bittersweet feelings the family was experiencing over the loss of their beloved retriever. It was a really special moment as we both shared stories of pets we have loved and lost.

And we pray those days come soon. (93512)

My friend Bill Benamati was awaiting a heart-liver transplant –he was at the top of the transplant list, but his health was failing. We all remained hopeful that “the call” would come, and I sent Bill Passages card 93512, the card that reads, “We know how much you wish you felt better … and we pray those days come soon.”. A few days later I logged onto Facebook and couldn’t believe what I saw ….”the call” had come for Bill!

Bill and Julie had posted the message on their way out the door to the transplant surgery. As I was reading this, my cell phone rang. It was Bill, calling from the car as Julie drove. He told me that when he read my card, he knew that it was a sign of good luck, that the transplant was really going to happen. The transplant was a HUGE success. The doctors cannot believe the speed of his recovery. In less than three weeks from the surgery, Bill should be at home in his own bed. Just an example of the power of a card!

Darla Markley is Cardthartic’s Rep in Eastern Pennsylvania

It’s gift show season, so thousands of manufacturers and their reps throughout the US are setting up their booths and showrooms for retail buyers. The big snow and big show were the same week in Atlanta, but on those buyers trudged. It was a lovely moment in Cardthartic’s booth when one very gracious gallery owner stopped reading our cards just long enough to put her hand on her heart and tell us, “You know.”