Let’s face it.
Sympathy cards suck.
They’re sure no fun to give. They’re torturous to buy. And they’re even worse to receive.
If you suffer from a serious illness (or have in the past), you know that the whole scenario can go badly.
When faced with someone else’s illness, normally intelligent and capable humans turn into awkward, foot-in-mouth, ridiculous-card-giving morons.
Not fun.
Thankfully, one incredibly talented and empathetic artist has done something about it.
Emily McDowell’s cards have been getting a lot of attention these days. That’s because she knows what needs to be said and how to say it. And she has put her words together with her art on these incredibly beautiful, sometimes humorous and always caring post cards.
The friend who gives this knows that scouring the Internet will not relieve the pain, stress or fear that illness brings with it. Just plain care and understanding cure more than Google ever will.
Beautiful and honest. Even though good can often be found on the other side of crisis, it doesn’t take away the pain of the struggle. So why talk about it?
While trite words aren’t helpful, cruises could be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Most people truly want to say something comforting and supportive. Thankfully, the artist wrote it out very artfully on this card.
Beautiful. This card doesn’t even have to be kept for a time of crisis. Who wouldn’t like to hear these words?
Illness is lonely. This card could help a well meaning friend who has dropped the ball reconnect gracefully.
This card is proof that there are reasons to celebrate everywhere. A chemo session ending is a perfect excuse to rejoice.
Just a simple message that says your friend is there to do whatever you need them to do. Beautiful!
Emily says, as a cancer patient, she never connected with jokes about being bald or getting a free boob job. Sometimes, there is nothing helpful to be said.
Last but not least, calling out what doesn’t help can sometimes be the best thing a friend can do.
Emily McDowell has given a great alternative to substandard sympathy greetings for ill or struggling friends.
Who do you know who needs visually pleasing words that actually help?
Featured photo credit: The Silent Hospital by Ryan McGuire via imcreator.com
