August 13, 2021 — For me, it’s an amazing feeling that comes with being told I’m in someone’s prayers. I love when my friend Amparo Korbel, to whom the Prayer is Powerful card is dedicated, has hung the 8″ x 10″ art print version in her bedroom, “So it’s the first beautiful thing I see when I wake up and begin my morning prayers.”

Our CEO Ana and I recently spent the weekend in the Tennessee home of longtime mentor, Randy Moore, whose printing company has produced every Cardthartic card since card one. Randy’s wife Cary truly touched our hearts when she softly said to Ana and me, “Since this is the first time we’ve seen each other in nearly two years, I just want you to know that Cardthartic was high on the list of businesses I prayed would make it through the pandemic.” That meant so much to us.

When the condo collapsed down the street from me, many Cardies wrote wonderfully uplifting messages in cards to both “Cardie Oma” Hannlis and me. You can imagine how it felt to read from Contributing Cardie Teresa Bender, “May you know that all of you in Surfside are in our thoughts. We pray for the families who were lost, as well as those who were left on this earth to help others when sorrow comes their way.” And from Contributing Cardie Mauri Truesdell, “I pray that you and your community will be able to experience joyful moments even as sorrow weighs on your hearts.”

And just this week, Cardie Pamela Salem O’Hagan wrote to me: “Sylvia was talking to me about our health problems, and she said something so lovely I remarked on it and she asked me if you would like to use it in a card.  Here it is: “Prayer or praying costs nothing, but the results are priceless!  And praying for others is the best gift we can give them- also priceless!” I think the first half is particularly good  – of course I have found this sentence to be true over and over again. You are constantly in my prayers.  Safe journey home,  You have been on a real road trip.”

Today we are sending prayers to all the first responders and those affected by the fires in the west. For everyone embarking on the third school year of this pandemic. For anyone who may be struggling with something, no matter how big or small. With all the challenges facing the world today, let’s hold good thoughts and say many prayers … for those we know and for those we don’t.

Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative