November 6, 2021 — Several years ago, Cardie Barbara Lazar sent us the loveliest message that has stuck with me and, today, describes our Cardie Community perfectly. “You and what you do are a blessing,” Barb wrote. “Passing along a smile or a reason to feel good is a true Mitzvah (good deed). Keep up the good work.”
I’m proud to report that we know of 80 cardies who definitely did their Mitzvahs. They devoted their own time, their own energy, their own money, their own stamp, their own love to celebrating one very resilient Cardie Oma Hannlis on her 98th birthday yesterday.
Here you see that your great Cardie Mail Carrier Naomi delivered your cards and a few hugs besides! And then she and Hannlis read, and read, and read. In addition to penning wonderful card-worthy messages of your own, Naomi reported that many of you also thoughtfully sent along long letters and poems, song lyrics, coffee cups, and scarves.
And even a lavender sachet for H to use in her new drawers in her comfy new suite in her son’s beautiful Baltimore home on the Chesapeake Bay. Naomi said that this cardie oma of ours was very moved by your kindness. So much so that Na was inspired to ask, “So, Hannlis, if you were to sum up your 98 years for your cardie friends and fans, what would you say?” Apparently it took no time at all for H to state, “I’ve crossed the ocean three times. I’ve bought three homes. And I’ve raised three beautiful boys.” To that, Naomi could not resist adding, “And you’ve already enjoyed three glasses of pineapple Schnaps on your 98th birthday!”
Having survived seeing the flames of 98 candles extinguished by a sweet someone attached to an oxygen tank, Naomi has happily agreed to carefully go through and grab the “Wow, that should be in a card!”messages that are invariably penned in the cards cardies send. We’ll keep you posted, of course, but wanted to report without delay that your birthday cards — and a number of feel better ones, too — were most appreciatively received. This woman of nine lives is headed for age 99 absolutely convinced that there seems to be no beginning or end to your kindness. As we hear H regularly say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Enjoy this weekend, and please take to heart Barbara Lazar’s gracious observation that “You and what you do are a blessing.” I know we sure admire and appreciate you!
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
What a wonderful picture! I know Hannlis had an absolutely stupendous birthday, thanks to Naomi and all of those cards (mine was one of them!) :)
Jodee, is she coming back at some point or staying at her son’s home for good now? I know you miss her so much! Thoughts, prayers and love to all~
You’re kind to ask, Judy, and yes she is missed on the beach Very much. I’ve reluctantly handed off my best-buddies baton to Naomi, who is a friend to all and — truth be told — has always been H’s absolute favorite … it seems meant to be that just a few years ago Naomi moved just 45 minutes away from where H will now be living, with eldest son Michael. H’s furniture has been moved into a big suite there where Na has unpacked and decorated. Naomi will also be pleased to continue to deliver our cardie mail and open and read it, too, as she shares my experience that it’s an absolute treat to hear H’s continued pride and disbelief that all these kind and caring people have embraced her as you have. Your continued good thoughts are appreciated, Judy, and I can assure you that Hannlis holds them for you, too.