Write On: Condolences and Get Well Cards

Though it is a sensitive subject for greetings and correspondence, we in Masonic Orders are frequently called upon to write messages of condolence and well wishes when something unpleasant has happened to those amongst our fraternity.  It often falls to the scribe, sweetheart or recorder to compose a friendly message of encouragement.



• A “Get Well” card is most often sent to the recipient’s home, unless they are going to be in the hospital for an extended period.  If someone is ill, make sure to verify the nature of their illness before sending a “Get Well” card.  If  the illness is incurable or terminal, such a card is highly inappropriate.

• A card which states “Thinking of You” is always a good choice when you are not entirely sure what the recipients condition is as well as when you know that it is terminal.   If you or your Chapter  are fairly close to the recipient of the well wishes is appropriate to ask if there is something you can do to help, even suggesting something specific, such as "Please let us know if we can help babysitting."

• When writing on behalf of an organization be sure to make it clear that is the case.  Using a phrase such as "The DeMolay Chapter keeps you in it's thoughts and prayers" signing your note with the Order's name beneath yours.

• Leave the humorous “Get Well” cards for personal friends and family.  In a business context, it is neither appropriate nor worth the risk of causing offense.

• Take the time to hand-sign and address the card. Printed mailing labels make the card look impersonal and that's not what well wishes should be.

• Even if the card has a pre-printed message inside, take the time to write a quick sentence by hand for a more personal and considerate touch.


Adapted from Cards Direct Card Etiquette
Image Source: stampwithheather.typepad.com via Hilary on Pinterest

Write On: Birthday Greetings

As young ladies with social obligations we are often called upon to write correspondence to our friends and sisters throughout the Masonic community, as well as those people we know outside of the community.  Correspondence is important to us because it let's people know that even though we may be apart in miles, or though it's be a while since we've seen each other that they are still in our thoughts.  Besides, everybody loves it when they get something in the mail that's not a bill!

One of the most common forms of correspondence that people are participating in today is the birthday greeting.  Sending a timely and personalized birthday card through the post (good ole snail mail) is a great way to let somebody know you care.


How To Write Birthday Greetings:

• Compliment the recipient’s best qualities. Take advantage of the opportunity to say why you admire the recipient: “I’m so lucky to have such a charming, supportive, who is always there for me” or “I’m so proud of you for all you have accomplished this year.”


• Turn a birthday card into a thank-you note. Tell someone how much they meane to you and how they have made a difference to your life.


• Focus on the year ahead and what you hope it brings: joy, success, a new job, celebrations, possibilities. Look forward to something the two of you have planned or the next time you will bee them. 


• Don’t assume people are thrilled about a birthday. Some folks aren’t. And if age is an issue, don’t point out the number in the card. Emphasize the person, not the milestone.

At A loss For Words?

If you are at a complete loss as to what you should write inside of a birthday card, why not add a few simple quotes from others to your knowledge base.  However use caution when sending "canned" messages as you wouldn't want to use the same quote year after year.

• "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." ~ Lucille Ball
• "All the world is a Birthday Cake, so take a piece, juts not too much." ~ George Harrison
• "Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again." ~ Menachem Mendel Schneerson
• "God gave us the gift of life; It is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." ~ Voltaire
• "If you survive long enough, you're revered - rather like an old building." ~ Katherine Hepburn
• Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time." ~ Jean Paul Richter
• I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity." ~ Elenor Roosevelt

We adapted these tips from Real Simple
Source: shop.banquetworkshop.com via Patty on Pinterest