When was the last time you wrote a card or letter and put a stamp on it and raised the little metal flag on your mailbox? With emails and texts, it’s easy to send a quick message to a friend. But when someone is sick or going through a tough time, many (women for the most part) turn to the old-fashioned card in the mail. I have quite a collection of cards from my multiple health issues. And many of them came from my blogging community.
I recently got a notice from WordPress: Happy 14th Anniversary! I have been blogging for 14 years. When I started, I had no idea what I was getting into. A writer friend was doing it, mostly to review books. So I tried it out. Found Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge and through that community found Poetry Friday. I coordinate the Spiritual Thursday group and This Photo Wants to be a Poem.
All along the way I thought I was self-serving, getting my writing out in the world, craving comments and recognition. But something entirely unexpected and beautiful happened. I built a community of friends. Friends who see me, know me, care about me, and send me cards when I’m sick.
Today I celebrate You! You are a buoy, a gift of friendship, and my circle. Thanks for the comforting words, the beautiful cards, and especially for the thoughts and prayers. I am healing and taking each day step by step. I believe my experience will help me be a better friend to my widest of circles.
(Message from Jan)
Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,between “green thread”
Tony Hoagland in How to Love the World
and “broccoli” you find
that you have penciled “sunlight”
Reflections on the Teche 
This is a beautiful slice of gratitude. Certainly, you didnt know what was ahead of you when you started your blogging life! Many of us can say the same, but not with quite the same extent. I love the progression of thinking here, and the photo of cards, and the end with a gift of poetry. But I have a question- how did virtual friends get your address?
Since I participate in things like poetry exchanges and such, many have my address. It’s always on my email signature.
Margaret,
I’m sorry for your ongoing health problems. Like you, I’m grateful for online communities. I was drawn to your topic today because I just returned from our latest adventure, this time to the UK, and I spent a small fortune in postcards and postage. I wrote and mailed 35 postcards. I know getting a card or letter brings joy, more than comments on blog posts. Thinking about that reminds me of something you told me on a post I wrote several years ago about reciprocity in blog commenting. You may not remember, but your response has stuck w/ me these past few years. Anyway, take care and heal in the love and comfort of those who offer kind gestures that arrive in the mail.
I’ve watched your adventures with envy. I will travel again someday. Thanks for your support.
Wonderful sheen you show for being fourteen, creative Margaret. Brava!
Appreciations for all your roles in the blogging & #PoetryFriday worlds, as you pour sunlight on us all.
XO
Jan
What a wonderful tribute to you and to this community. I also love the Hoagland poem. Fourteen years…wow!
Margaret, this makes my heart happy to see the cards and the well wishes from fellow writers. In many ways, we are closer friends than acquaintances we see from time to time who know nothing of what we carry or are going through. I’m so grateful that you will be back up and returning to school shortly. Prayers and hugs for your re-emergence!
Margaret, those cards are so beautiful! Since moving back to the U.S., I have gradually begun to get back into sending things through snail mail. Your post has inspired me! It is such a lovely thing to get something in the mail, especially unexpectedly.