THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
I am sure that our family was no different to any other family when it came to the sound of post dropped to the hall floor. There was a mad dash to pick it up and bring it to Mam. In later years, watching rugby I remembered those hallway tussles. Anyway Mam, having got the post examined them and normally put them, unopened, on the top shelf of the dresser. However, on occasions she would pick one out and smile. In later years we got to know these letters were from her sister, our Auntie Eileen.
• Inside there was a card with lovely flowers printed on it and enclosed was a letter. Auntie Eileen’s handwriting was impeccable as is her daughter’s handwriting today.
• In an age where digital communication reigns supreme, the humble greeting card continues to hold a special place in people’s hearts. These tangible tokens of affection have a rich history, dating back to ancient China and Egypt, where messages of goodwill were exchanged on papyrus and silk. Despite the convenience of emails and text messages, greeting cards remain cherished for their ability to convey heartfelt sentiments in a way that digital mediums often fail to capture.
• The tactile nature of a card, the weight of the paper, and the personal touch of a handwritten note bridge the gap between past and present, evoking a sense of nostalgia and genuine connection. For example, in Ireland, the practice of sending St Patrick’s Day cards is a cherished tradition, where cards adorned with shamrocks and heartfelt messages are exchanged to celebrate the nation’s patron saint. Similarly, receiving a birthday card in the mail from a family member can create a moment of joy and surprise that a simple ‘Happy Birthday!’ text message may not replicate. It is this enduring appeal that keeps the tradition of sending greeting cards alive, even in our fast-paced, digital world.
• There is something profoundly intimate about receiving a handwritten note. As Dwane in Murder In Paradise says: “It’s the complete package.” The curves and lines of each letter, the slight imperfections, and the unique style of the sender’s handwriting all combine to create a tangible connection that digital messages simply cannot replicate. When one sees the familiar script of a loved one, it evokes a sense of closeness and warmth, as if the sender is right there beside them.
• Historically, this significance can be seen in the letters written during World War II. Soldiers frequently communicated with their family through handwritten correspondence, which became cherished keepsakes. These letters conveyed not just news and updates, but also deep emotions and reassurances during uncertain times.
• Greeting cards have a unique ability to create lasting memories, serving as tangible mementos that can be kept and cherished for years. When one receives a card, it transforms a simple occasion into a special moment, brightening the entire day. The joy of rediscovering an old card tucked away in a drawer or a box is unparalleled. It brings back treasured memories, evoking the emotions felt at the time of receiving it. Each card tells a story, capturing a snapshot of a particular moment in time. For instance, during the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, many leaders of the rebellion wrote poignant notes to their loved ones as they faced imminent danger including their own execution.
• Cards can be of many types. There are the ones you buy in the newsagents or supermarket or indeed the religious ones for all occasions that you can get from the Capuchin Friary in Kilkenny. Then there are the cards, crafted with care, that support local artisans and carries the weight of true emotion.
• In a world dominated by fleeting digital messages, the joy and emotional resonance of receiving a handwritten card in the post remain unparalleled. Greeting cards will always matter, preserving the essence of human connection and heartfelt expression.
