Tips for Writing Get Well Cards

Get well cards are often sent to family members, friends, colleagues and clients when they have suffered an injury or illness. A card is a tangible expression of care and concern that the recipient can hold, read, re-read, save, share with others and display.

When sending a get well card, there are two important points to consider: the personality of the recipient and the degree of seriousness of the illness or injury. Certainly, it would not be appropriate to send a seriously ill business colleague the same humorous card sent to the office jokester who broke his leg on the bunny slope. Care, tact and diplomacy must be exercised when choosing the outside artwork and inside sentiment on the card. This is a time when the emotions and mindset of the patient must be considered.

If someone is suffering from a terminal illness, a “Thinking of You” card may be more appropriate. In this type of situation, get well cards can seem insensitive and even tacky. It is important to let them know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of loved ones, friends and associates, and that the gravity of the situation is acknowledged and understood.

What else should you keep in mind when sending a get well wish?

• Use a non-smudging pen and your best penmanship.
• In addition to the handwritten signature, personal messages are always a nice touch and convey a sense of warmth and connection to the receiver.
• Messages can include references to favorite activities shared with the recipient (going to the movies), a special talent the recipient has that the sender looks forward to (home-baked treats brought in for the office gang), or just a thought expressing wishes for a speedy recovery and return to health.
• Enclosures such as confetti, article clippings or bookmarks are fun additions, and wallet-sized prayer/encouragement cards will be appreciated by spiritually-minded individuals.
• Handwritten messages in a business get well card from the office staff should stick to the generic, but a bit of office humor can often go a long way in cheering up the absent employee.
• Get Well Cards should be sent in a timely manner, and if you make any offers of help, whether verbally or in writing, make sure you follow through on the offer! It can be a great relief to a hospital patient to know that his neighbor is keeping an eye on the house, and that his friend is watering the newly planted shrubs or houseplants.