A Note of Thanks
A thank you note is important!
Can’t you see?
For it shows how grateful you can be.
For a visit,
a toy,
a meal,
a gift,
or more.
Thank you notes convey gratitude
and, oh, so much more.
Notes take time to write
and time to send,
going through the snail mail process
all over again.
A stamp is needed for me to let you know
my words of gratitude that I must sow.
When you get it, you will see
how polite you taught me to be.
Yes, a simple thank you note is needed
for all that you were given.
So write them now to all you know.
Your words will mean a lot to them to learn
their kindful acts did not go unbidden.
It’s graduation time. Writing and receiving thank you notes for gifts is customary. But, over the past few years, I’ve noticed less and less of this polite habit. We’ve even had some wedding gifts go unnoted! But, this year, thank you notes seem to be in vogue again. Maybe, it is due to the pandemic and inability to attend social events. I’ve considered this as a reason since we have not attended any graduation parties, nor did we host one. But, cards and gifts were still sent and received. And, thank you notes have also been sent and received. Some, I have to admit, have been very touching. They are from students I advocated for as young, gifted elementary students. I needed (personally) to acknowledge their accomplishments. In their notes, they exposed their gratitude for my support and involvement in their educational process. I found their ability to express gratitude so heartwarming! As a teacher (and a parent), it makes every effort worthwhile!
Likewise, my son has been working on his thank-you notes. He still has a few to write, but like these other students, I think he understands it is important to let those who sent good wishes and/or a gift know he is grateful for their encouragement and support.
Finally, I have a few thank you notes to write myself. Two need to go to teachers that had my son as a student in his final semester of high school and did a fabulous job when our district became virtual for the last two and a half months. I want to let them know that as a mom, I appreciated their efforts to keep the students on track and hold them to high standards. I am sure that the gratitude and encouragement as we head into another schoolyear virtually at the start, will be welcomed. And, maybe even needed!
I better do that today!
My poem is an attempt to stress the importance of this occasionally dying piece of communication. It’s not quite right, especially near the end. But, like thank you notes themselves, I hope you can “hear” my sincerity!
Today is Poetry Friday. Thank you to Nix the Comfort Zone blog for hosting!
The Apples in My Orchard 
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