August 21, 2006 - Day 6 - Week 20 - You Are A Winner

As they sing in Lion King to the King – short report.  Saw the doctor and he said I was still alive.  Jogged up and down the hallway of the medical building to test my oxygen flow -  my pacer, or good friend Mindy, could not keep up, but I became winded and exhausted after only 200 feet.  In essence, no determination of why shortness of breath, but not to be too worried as of today, but as of now no windsurfing tomorrow. 

We all hear bad news in life, but somehow most everyone I know has a positive attitude and a pleasant demeanor most of the time. It  struck me that bad news should always be balanced with good news and the expressions of others, through the written word, lifts my spirits. As you are well aware the thoughts on greeting cards are drafted by folks like you and me, they just happen to sit around the table at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City and get paid for putting profound, humorous, or emotion causing sentiments on paper.

I save cards because cards are worth saving, and reviewing them occasionally simply reinforces some wonderful sentiments. As time goes by I have learned the importance of cards; think about those in your circle of friends who could use a simple ‘pick me up’ in the form of a greeting card.

The front of this card sent by good friends Sharon and Perry goes like this:

“Some of the brightest days start out cloudy,

Some of the best endeavors start out tough.

And some of the most wonderful experiences start out challenging.

I know you’re the type of person who can deal with anything, no matter the obstacles, and no matter the odds.

You then open the card and inside are the words:

You’re a winner!

In my mind the family who sent me this card are winners, and here is what they wrote:

Dear Peter and Katy,

We have heard from several mutual friends that you are undergoing treatment for cancer, and we were surprised and saddened by the news.  If anyone can beat this, you can.  Our family (all of them) is sending supportive thoughts and prayers your way.  I have heard Larry Piro speak on the latest cancer treatments, and he is a wonderful doctor and person, you are in good hands.  Please call on us if we can help in anyway – thinking of you.”

As of today there prophetic words have been borne out in reality. Tomorrow will take care of itself, but for today, halleluiah I have gained the upper hand.

In this world of instant communication a card and the sentiments can last a lifetime. Think of someone today who is a winner and send them your very best card.  I am delighted that Hallmark and others keeps employing artists and writers to come up with cards that inspire and motivate, as well as sooth and honor.

I will also bet most of you save cards as well.  When going through my fathers effects, even this stubborn old German, had a soft heart and one dresser drawer was filled with cards that he had saved over the decades.  Lesson learned!

Back to Week 20