March 29, 2022 — Being there for people when they need support is our calling, cardies, and a true gift. The challenge is knowing what to say!
I’ve written in recent cardie newsletters of my friend and neighbor Luda from Ukraine. Sadly, she has many friends still there, and just as unsettling, a grown daughter living in Moscow. After learning of Luda, many of you have sent her love and support of all kinds … Teresa Bender started a prayer chain. Carrie Wolfgang sent a gorgeous Pysanky, a Ukrainian Easter Egg painted in exquisite detail by a Ukrainian friend of hers. “Prayer and hope are powerful tools,” read Carrie’s note. Luda placed it with the Pysanky among other treasures where she prays at home.
Mary Pat Rossi emailed, “Next time you hug Luda, please whisper that it is a collective hug from cardies who have come to know her and pray for her and her family. 💕”
Mary Pat’s message was so touching that, when I gave it to a very-moved Luda, it brought back warm memories of hugs and whispered wishes of my own. Nearly three decades ago now, a wise friend and mentor had listened patiently as I agonized over an unsolicited offer to buy a young Cardthartic. As we parted and he was about to pull away in a cab, Jack asked the driver to stop so he could hop out, hug me tight, and quietly but assuredly say, “Whatever decision you make will be the right one.”
When Cardthartic was recovering (nicely, thanks) from an embezzlement nearly eight years ago now, I was feeling very down about my abilities, certain that, if only I were a sharper business person, I would have discovered and stopped the theft sooner. Our dear Cardie Oma Hannlis squeezed me like she’d never let go and said so convincingly that I can feel the truth of it today, “I love you exactly as you are.”
“Next time you hug, please whisper …” With thanks to Mary Pat for the prompt, we want to invite you to take a turn, cardies. Share a memorable something someone whispered in a hug to you — or you to them! We really look forward to reading what you have to say, and we thank you for being someone who would have such stories to tell.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
SHARE A MEMORY >>>
My grandsons live out of state. Spending time with them is gift. When my family takes me to the airport and it is time to say goodbye, they cry and hold on and as I’m hugging them I whisper, “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ❤️
From time to time, we all fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves. For me, prayer provides a “virtual hug” to help me become un-stuck.
Here is a portion of a prayer my friend Mitzie shared:
“God, I come to You burdened with worries, fears, doubts and troubles. Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns that weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart. Loosen my grip on the disappointments and grievances I hold on to so tightly. Let Your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen. “
PS – Cardies, the Pysanky video (referenced above) is mesmerizing to watch. The background music will lift your spirits like a virtual hug!
My mother had a refrán (saying, adage, proverb) for every situation. I use them all the time too and they don’t always translate well. They are funny in translation and feel like a hug and inside joke rolled in one. Here are a few literal translations.
– When there are new saints, old ones make no miracles.
– Knocking on a door does not mean going in.
– More difficult than biting a mirror’s face.
– Lasted as long as a fart in a hammock.
– With such a lovely voice, commanding others to sing.
There are, of course, real translations, but I like them better this way.