My daughter’s high school graduation class had 1,200 graduates in it. It took 2 full hours for them all to march across the stage and receive their diplomas. This year there was a change in venue. Graduation was moved to the Dallas Convention Center and it was impossible to hold every family member and guest who might have wanted to attend the big event. And so, each graduate was allotted 6 tickets.

Frantic phone calls began the minute this plan was announced. There was a mad rush to secure extra tickets for aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends and everyone who wanted to come and join in the celebration. I’m told some students were even selling their tickets if they had extra ones on hand, but I can’t confirm that!

I was approached by many, asking if I had any extras. As it turned out, I did have extra tickets to give to those in need and was happy to accommodate them. What surprised me though was the lovely Thank You Card I received following graduation day from one of those I shared a ticket with. With out of town guests to entertain along with all the hoopla that goes with graduation, how this lovely lady managed to find the time to write and mail a thank you card for my unused ticket was a delightful surprise.

Thank YOU, Andrea!

So folks, do you remember to send Thank You Cards when a nice gesture of appreciation is called for?

Feeling patriotic? You should be! It seems summer brings out the best in pride for our nation. Memorial Day was in May, June 14th was Flag Day and July 4th is right around the corner! Red, white and blue is the theme for summer outdoor cookouts and parades. We love our country all year long, but especially during the summer when we get to relax and enjoy the great outdoors!

Now is the time to remember too those that are fighting to preserve our freedoms far from home. Yes, we think of our troops during the Christmas holiday season, but we should be remembering them now too! They aren’t enjoying the family barbeques or fourth of July parades. Why not let them know they are in your thoughts by sending patriotic Thank You cards.

Gather your friends, business associates or just bundle up a collection all on your own and send an unexpected batch of thoughtful patriotic greetings to those that would most certainly appreciate them this summer!

My daughter recently graduated from high school, hooray! She proudly sent graduation invitations to many friends and family members, not fully realizing the many well wishes that would soon come her way. The truly exceptional remembrances came from those not even on her send list. Those unexpected congratulations were a true delight.

What impressed me though was her unprompted sending of thank you cards! What a proud mom I was when I noticed her writing thank yous before I even had a chance to suggest it. Of course, at an early age she was taught to write thank you cards for birthday and Christmas presents, often with constant reminding, but I was pleased to see she, on her own, realized that graduation presents called for this same courtesy.

How about you? Do you and your children send thank you cards? A thank you doesn’t have to be just for gifts received. Thank you cards are great whenever a show of appreciation is called for. Set a good example and remember those deserving with a thoughtful greeting. It will bring a smile to you and to the lucky recipient as well as set a great example for your children!

Memorial Day is this Monday, May 25 and although most of us will get the day off from work, I suspect the majority will not necessary celebrate the day as it was intended- as a day of remembrance for those that served our country. So, here are some suggestions for honoring those that helped secure our freedoms:





* Attend a local memorial service honoring our veterans.

* Visit a cemetery and search for a headstone of someone who served in battle, leaving flowers in their honor.

* Observe a moment of silence at 3 pm local time.

* Wear something patriotic.

* Display an American flag, flying it at half staff until noon.

* Send patriotic Thank You Cards to someone who has served or is serving in the armed forces.

Enjoy the holiday and remember those that have and are serving our country!

Graduation invitations and graduation announcements send word of your accomplishment. One is for inviting friends and family to the ceremony itself or a party afterwards. The other lets everyone know you have achieved a goal.

See this helpful article regarding Graduation Invitation Etiquette as you get ready to mail both out.

Congratulations, graduate!