June 29, 2021 — This newest of our condolence cards was created to soothe the woman who ensures that your online orders flow seamlessly from our website to our Fulfillment Center. Linda Heiser lost her husband Mark to cancer earlier this year, and the card is dedicated to him. We can’t help thinking that it is a powerful message with blessings for the grieving families in Surfside.
Last Friday we shared with you that I live five blocks north of the high-rise that fell, taking 150 sleeping residents with it. In the news, we all see the devastation. Here in town, we see the families walking numbly through the long, hot days, back and forth from the destruction site to the reunification center, hoping and praying for miracles.
While those who have lost people they hold dear will miss them forever, we hope these families can somehow “take in all the blessings our loved ones would surely want us to see.” We pray that the families whose hearts are breaking today, and for many years to come, can somehow bring themselves to focus not on how their loved ones died, but how they lived …
This is what I see most days while writing to you. I’m showing you this because it’s what many of those 150 lost neighbors regularly saw out their windows, too.
May their families sense how very blessed their loved ones felt living “just another day in paradise.” May they find comfort in its peace and beauty. May they take heart feeling the same ocean breezes their loved ones enjoyed while sitting on their balconies, watching the seagulls and sailboats float by. May they feel free to joyfully follow in the many footsteps left in this sand.
May these families share the pride of their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers who worked hard to live this life of their dreams. And may it soothe them to consider that the beautiful place loved ones thought of as heaven on earth does not hold a candle to their new home.
Just as I was finishing this newsletter late last night, in popped an email from Cardie Julie Baxter with the subject line Continued Prayers. “Please know, as the days go on, we continue to send positive energy and prayers your way down in Miami/Surfside,” Julie wrote, signing, “Just another one of your Cardies that cares.”
Thank you, Julie, and kind hearts everywhere. Because the need for sensitive condolence cards is always there and extends far beyond Surfside, you’ll find a selection below. As we announced Friday, the profit from every card you purchase at cardthartic.com through July 4th will be donated in your name to the American Red Cross.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
It’s impossible to comprehend the emotions felt by those affected by the tragedy in Surfside. But your words, as usual, Jodee, can help bring comfort as they “consider that the beautiful place their loved ones thought of as heaven on earth doesn’t hold a candle to their new home.” Your words have certainly helped me.
With love and gratitude that you and Hanliss are okay and prayers for all . . .
Every thought for the families affected by this terrible tragedy is a prayer for you and Hanliss as you walk this path along with all the townspeople of Surfside. May God comfort you all and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love,
Judy