My daughter somehow found an envelope containing at least 50 birthday and other cards sent to me by friends over the years. As I sat looking at the cards, I could not believe how far I had come from the birthday card days. I remember vividly receiving some of the cards, I cannot recollect some people who sent a few others, but all of them did fill me with nostalgia.
The kid wants to make art and craft items with these cards, so I don't think they are going to last much longer. I am not sentimental anymore to hold on to them, for sometime between the years I saved the cards to now, I have taken up the sane advise by a friend - never hold on to materials, hold on to memories. My memories are safe with me.
I just want to save some of the messages in the cards here, and in case I had not thanked the senders enough when I got them, thank you.
From Vasavi, date ??
Sending you a smile to help pick up your day..Let me know if it wears out, I'll send you another.
From Suji, dated 29-09-1995.
With a Friend like you along, life is a lot more fun and a lot more interesting. Happy Birthday. (hand written addendum: "Wish you were here")
From Rajshree, dated ? Sent from Pune
Warmest Birthday Greetings for Someone Special (hand written addendum "What's happening madam? Where are you? Write to me")
From Vandana dated 26-08-1997
Here's to a swell room-mate, Keep in touch, wishing you lots of luck and best wishes toward a glorious future.
From Sudha Sunderesan: 29-09-1995
Hand written "Dearest Lux, wish you a very happy bday. May success be with you always. Birthday wishes from my mom and Prabhu too"
From G. Viji dated ??
As you celebrate your birthday, warmest wishes go your way, for all that makes life pleasant on your very special day.
From Rajshree, dated ??
Wanted to get you an appropriate birthday card, so I gave your description to the lady at the card shop, she was still rolling on the floor laughing when I left. Happy Birthday.
From Deepak (mndoci) dated ??
Some days we have to make our own rainbows (hand written addendum "you should make yours in the storm. I'll miss you")
From Suji, dated ??
I'd never send you one of those insulting brithday cards, I was taught to respect my elders. Happy birthday. (Followed by a long handwritten letter)
From Suji and her parents
A handwritten note "Go, see and conquer, may your stay be productive, may you reach greater heights, may your name be added to the list of illustrious chemists, may you come back with achievement, fulfillment and glory. Wishing you a very happy purposeful stay in the US".
From Gautam dated ??
A sister is a friend for ever. (Hand written addendum: "MAy you be blessed with the best things in life because for a person as wonderful as you, God gives only the best".
From Sandhya dated??
Handwritten note "Have a wonderful birthday. Afterall you are twenty one and supposed to be a mature, serious old person. Forget all that and let your hair down and watch the fun."
From Arvind dated ??
Sometimes you can tell immediately that a new friend is going to become an old friend, I already know I've found an old friend in you.
Dr. Mike Sponsler (my advisor) from a conference in SAn Fransisco)
"Dear Lakshmi, Simon's and my poster presentation went well yesterday. Now we are spectators for a while. The weather forecast through Friday is for highs about 70 with 0-10% clouds. They didn't even mention the word "precipitation" or "Rain"
From Sudha 09-Sept 1995.
"Thank you for your friendship, it has meant so much to me. Thank you for your understanding and your loyalty etc,....etc...".
What I find amusing is this, Sudha underlines a sentence that says "your companionship has helped me thorugh the years" and adds a note that "I have always compared myself with you".
Whoa Sudha....that was quite a responsibility on my shoulder.
Gautam, Dec 11 1997
handwritten note: "Dear Lakshmi, I thought I will wish you early as I will be in California during the New Year. The coming year holds so many important things for you, especially your defense. All the very best. God bless you. May you remain happy all the time. Affectionately, Gautam"
Shobha, 1997
I was going to have a gorgeous beauty jump out of your birthday cake, but I didn't want frosting on my hair"
Swapna, ??
Good luck with your new venture
My Syracuse friends Joyce, Paul, Craig, Mike, Watson, Barbara, Doug, Pam, Sean, Ana Karin, Rich and Francene gave me a good luck card when I was about to leave. Each of them had written a very thoughtful note and I am so touched as I read the little notes.
A group card from Vinodh, Shanx, Ajax, Sreek, Venx, Gowtham, Balaji, SriG. RN, VGS, RAdo and Eddy - apparently my "favourite" Narmadites. I can't believe the guys of my M.Sc class actually gave me a birthday card. Maybe I should hold on to this card and embarrass you guys when I see you next.
There is a birthday card from Becky, my classmate from UG. Wonder what became of her.
More cards from Sudha , Gautam, Rajshree and Suji, together, separate, with husband etc etc.
Thanks folks, I feel more honoured now, years after I received the cards than at the time I got them.
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