News of a serious diagnosis causes most of our tongues to tie. Not for a bad reason, of course. We're simply struck with emotion and/or worried that they we'll say the wrong thing. Now, you've got an option besides simply voicing your support — sending a very specific empathy card.
Emily McDowell is a former advertising art director who launched her own line of greeting cards in 2013. Of course, she has a mix of cards for traditional occasions — weddings, birthdays, new baby, etc.
But McDowell also has cards specifically to give people who've been diagnosed with a serious illness. As she is a cancer survivor, it's an issue close to her heart.
As she explains on her blog:
'Get well soon' cards don't make sense when someone might not. Sympathy cards can make people feel like you think they're already dead … And I never personally connected with jokes about being bald or getting a free boob job, which is what most 'cancer cards' focus on.
No matter what emotion you're feeling — guilt because you haven't been in touch, a genuine urge to help out, feisty optimism, or dark humor, McDowell's got an empathy card that fits.
What we love about these cards, besides the fact that they avoid schmaltzy over-the-top-ness? The fact that the sentiments on each are great reminders on how to SPEAK to a sick friend — basically, you don't know what the hell to say or do but you want to say or do SOMETHING that shows you care.
Click through to see how poignantly each of these cards demonstrates just that.
Images courtesy of Emily McDowell Studio
A Promise That Will Be Appreciated
The card to give when you want someone to laugh — then breathe a secret sign of relief.
The "I've Really Got Your Back" Card
What else are friends for?
#MoreThanJustaHashtag
Plenty of cards, T-shirts, even bumper stickers, are glib about serious illnesses. Here's a card that addresses that and moves beyond.
The Card Most Likely To Make You Weep
In a good way, that is.
More from The Stir: 8 Breast Cancer Survivors Reveal How It Felt the Moment They Got Their News
No Scary Stories Here. (Thank God.)
Who wouldn't want to get THIS reassuring card rather than a cautionary tale about their great-aunt Myrna?
Always Better Late Than Never
So you freaked out that your friend was sick and said nothing. For a LONG time. Break your silence (and end your guilt) by sending this perfectly worded card.
Reality Check
Hope for the best, prepare for — well — whatever you can get.
Cancer Is Not a Vacation
So thanks for not trying to pretty it up.
More from The Stir: Mom Writes Own Beautifully Defiant Obituary Before Dying of Cancer
Awkwardness Is Better Than Silence
When someone's sick, they need your support, even if it comes out sounding like (heartfelt) gibberish.
Another Way to Say "I Love You"
When nothing you can say is enough, this simple card comes pretty darn close.
More from The Stir: What To Do (& Not Do) When a Loved One is Diagnosed With Cancer
