I’ve known my husband close to seventeen years. This means I’ve known him more than half my life. In a sense, we’ve done a lot of growing up together.

Though we were in high school at the same time, we didn’t attend the same high school. In fact, we lived on opposites sides of town, about 20 miles away from each other. When you’re a teenager in high school, those 20 miles can seem like a world apart. But, we made it work.

Back then, we communicated via phone calls and even letters. We did not email each other and we did not have text messaging or Facebook. In fact, at one time, I had a pager (remember those?) and he would page me with specific codes that translated into words (i.e., 143 = I love you). But, at the heart of it, we initially exchanged information through letters and even cards. I know I sent him a few cards over the years with hand-written notes and letters. Many years later after we got married, I found out he actually saved some of those cards and letters.

Telling people that I love them, that I care about them, or that they’re on my mind is not something I’ve ever had an issue doing. Every time I say good-bye to my mother, I tell her I love her. Each time my husband and I hang up from a phone call, we say “I love you” in our good-bye. But, something I no longer do very often is write letters or hand-written notes. I can’t remember the last time I wrote my husband a nice note to tell him how much I appreciate all he does for our family.

I recently took the opportunity to use one of the cards Hallmark sent me and write my husband a message. I wanted to remind him that his hard work, dedication, and commitment to us doesn’t go unappreciated. I know I tell him in-person, but somehow writing it down makes the message come out in a more eloquent manner.

Even though my husband is not a huge card-person, I know he does appreciate receiving them. It was nice to see him read my card, smiling along as he read my words. My husband is not typically a man of many words, so a thank you and hug was enough for me to know my words meant something and were appreciated. I can’t help but wonder if he’ll save this card too for years to come just as he saved the cards I gave him at the beginning of of our relationship. I guess I’ll have to wait seventeen more years to find out!

Do you often tell your friends and loved ones how much they mean to you? Do you send them cards or letters to do so or does a text message or email work for you?

Disclosure: This story is sponsored by Hallmark through their Life is a Special Occasion campaign. As always, all stories and opinions are my own. To receive special offers and discounts from Hallmark, sign up for their e-newsletter!