Hallmark Moments

In the days before the explosion of cable television programming, before there were hundreds of channels and everything [and nothing] to watch, viewing choices were limited.  But I think to some degree the few existing networks were working harder in the early years to prove the medium's worth.

Thank you for television.  NOT for reality T.V.

At Christmas time, we could especially look forward every year to a new sentimental holiday drama sponsored by Hallmark Greeting Cards.  Christmas was greeting card season, and Hallmark cornered the market on cards.  America was watching, and we were not disappointed.  Quality Hallmark Hall of Fame programs included "The Homecoming," which later inspired the long-running series "The Waltons."

Thank you for John Boy.

But what I really remember?  The commercials.  How is it that with Christmas coming and the family gathered around the television [I sat on the floor because it was my job to adjust the knob and focus the picture] and some sentimental holiday heartbreak being played out in our living room, it was the commercials for the Christmas cards that made me cry?  EVery time!

 Thank you for remote control.

There was always some rosy-cheeked child placing a carefully-selected card in some special spot to surprise the big brother in uniform who just managed to make it home late Christmas Eve.  Am I right?  You've seen that commercial?  The Walton family patriarch is lost in the snow on Walton's Mountain, chopping trees to earn money to buy shoes for his seven barefoot children, and I'm crying over the commercial.

Thank you for brilliant marketing.

So, why do I bring this up now?  Today, I felt like that rosy-cheeked child with the card.  I had three thank-you cards in my hand--written, addressed, and sealed--ready to be delivered.  I've already told you about two of them, Joan and Freddie Lu.  The church office was empty.  I tucked Joan's card into her mail box.  The choir room was empty.  I placed Freddie Lu's card in her music folder.  [Thank you, Patty, for suggesting it.]  And I handed Tandy's thank-you card to her with a hug.

I learned today that I'd understood the Hallmark commercials all wrong.  The focus was always how happy the recipient was, how loved he or she felt upon opening the card.  When you care enough to send the very best.  I felt so much happier giving those cards than I ever imagined.  The child leaving the card out for big brother was just as excited as big brother was at finding it.

So.  The rewards begin to surface.  This could be awesome.  Let's do this some more.

Thank you for the joy that comes with giving.