My Mother’s Personalized Notes in Greeting Cards

Stuart K. Hayashi 

 My parents always made a fuss over the idea of buying greeting cards. I haven’t been a fan of this — it’s not as though the person buying the card drew the picture or wrote what accompanied it. I guess that, on some level, my late mother knew that that was my criticism, because sometimes she wrote personalized notes inside the cards.

This one is from Christmas 2018. The front of the card says “Son, when you’re around . . .” Mom added something to the front, so it says, “Son, when you’re around . . . I feel better . . .” 

On the inside, she wrote for me: 

Stuart, 

Thank you for all the thoughtful things you do for us, like taping shows you find that you think we’ll enjoy, etc. 

With love,
Mom + Dad 

We’re so lucky + thankful that you’re our son (so smart, too and an accomplished writer)!

When I read this again on February 10, I bawled my eyes out. But reading this was the first time since Mom died that I felt any renewed confidence in what I had been doing previously.

In 2017, my mother even gave me a Valentine’s Day card. This time, the words were written entirely by her.

Stuart— 

You’re such a good person and son that I wish I could give you all the happiness and everything you deserve. 

I wish and hope that someday soon you will find love with someone who deserves you. Since I can’t do that for you, please use his toward something that will bring you joy. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Love,
Mom