I have so much gratitude for my father in law. In the weeks following his first hospital stay he shared a vision with me. A desire to connect the stories of his life with his values for living and create a tangible piece of himself to leave behind.
This seed of an idea has grown into something so much more, and I often think about the words I’d use to thank him if he were still with us.
Years of Gratitude During the Month of Thanksgiving
While often extremely grateful, I’m horrible at expressing my gratitude in written form. There are so many times I could send off a thank you note and fail to do so. I’m more of a talker. In person chats are my favorite!
However, when I receive a handwritten note, they often bring up such emotion. A connection so real it’s as if the person is standing there in front of me ready to offer a hug. I wish these lasting words would come easier to me. Or that I would think of it in the first place. It’s always something I plan to do, but never quite get around to doing it consistently.
I guess I was procrastinating, looking for the right thing to say. And this year it occurred to me that a thank you note can be written in much the same way I write a story.
How to Write a Personal Thank You Note:
When we tell a story we look to grab the reader’s attention, develop a conflict and take them on a journey to the resolution. A thank you note may not need to highlight the drama quite so intensely, but it can generally follow this framework. When we write a thank you note we can share the transformation the gift, service or act provided!
Greeting,
I love grabbing the readers attention with something fun and personal. A nickname, a fun inside joke, and sometimes (but not often for me) something formal.
Express,
This is where you say those two important words, Thank you. I often say thank you so much, earnestly, whole heartily and without apology because I mean it to my very core.
Details,
Add what this ‘thing’ you are thanking them for has done for you. What transformation did it provide? How does it make your life easier? How did it help? Often people help me out and it saves me so much time. The dance family that has evolved from my daughter’s dance class has changed my life. They are there for me over and over and this help truly makes it so I can live my dream.
Look ahead,
Here is where I love to add something about how I’m looking forward to seeing them, possibly at dance class :), to on the next film set, or where ever that may be. Or maybe they are working on something and I’m looking forward to supporting them.
Restate,
I simply thank them again.
Regards,
And sign off. I often use blue skies because I know that beyond a cloudy day there are always blue skies, but this is your sign off. I’ve seen people use: best, warm regards, sincerely, etc. I think that the sign off can be as daunting as the note it self. I had an English professor sign off with Be Salt – I loved that. What is your favorite sign off? And why?
With Grace
Four years ago my father in law’s idea overwhelmed me. And while I regret not recording his stories the way he requested, I’ve learned to have a little grace with myself and honor the gratitude I feel for the journey he has inspired.
In the four years since his death, my father in law, has stayed close to my heart, top of mind and is at the very soul of Wild Spruce Media and my mission to help people tell their stories.
If I could write him a thank you note, I’d tell him how grateful I am for his trust in me. How I honor his idea, by sharing it. And how this idea has given me the opportunity to meet people that have enriched my life beyond measure. He has given me a way to understand the world around me. The connection I feel to who I am, and the curiosity I have for people’s lives has given me a purpose and focus for storytelling. I am filled with a life time of gratitude!
Blue skies,
Tami Lynn