by Paula Lonergan
Vol 7 Issue 1

Time have truly changed. Maybe I'm picky, but I think some things should not change. What I mean is the showing of gratitude for when someone does or gives something to you. It just doesn't happen now much in this day and age.

I'm glad my parents taught me the importance of saying thank you. Even writing a thank you notes, too. I remember when I would receive presents from family or others, my mom taught me to write a little note to say thank you to the person.

Consequently with that training, I continued into my adulthood taking the time to send a note to say thank you for graciousness shown. I would do so whether it was in the form of a gift, a meal, or even just a good word at the right time.

I guess not everyone was raised like I was. It's kind of sad that those who may have been taught to express gratitude in the form of a letter or card, don't do so anymore.

It's very interesting how you may spend your hard earned money to get a newly wedded couple a set of dishes, or glasses, some practical little household item, or maybe just a gift card. Then, later you wonder if it was even received by the couple.

It's so ironic how a person can send out 100, 300, 500 invitations with a stamp on the outside to get it to you and a stamp on the inside card for your to mail it back to them. Then, when the person(s) receives the money, cards, presents, they can't even find a piece of stationary with an envelope and a stamp in which to at least let the person know it was received. Not to mention to say thank you for their thoughtfulness.

Now, don't get me wrong, I know it's not an easy task, it's alot of work to write thank you notes. After I got married, I had over 300 thank you cards to write. It took me a few months to finally finish them. But, you know when I finished them, I felt good. I was happy to have extended my appreciation for what was given, without thinking about dollars worth of the item. In some cases, I send a note to say thank you for being a part of my special day.

Others showed their gratitude to me, how dare me if I didn't do the same. What do you think?

Copyright 2003 Paula Lonergan
All rights reserved.