Dear Abby: Email, online thank-yous suffice in stressful times

Dear Abby
Posted: July 12, 2012

DEAR ABBY: "Wants to Do the Right Thing" asked about using email to thank those who donated to a fund-raiser for her son, who has bone cancer. What's wrong with that?

I have been there. One of my twin boys was diagnosed with cancer at age 2.

I was grateful for all the help my family and friends gave me, but I did not always have the time or energy to devote to writing thank-you cards.

You really have to have experienced this kind of long-term stress and trauma to understand. It takes all your strength just get through each day without breaking down.

Another way of thanking people was through a blog, like CaringBridge. These free websites were a great way to keep in touch with people and let them know what was going on. I often posted general notes of thanks there, then emailed everyone who contributed with a link to the site.

— Truly Thankful in New York

DEAR TRULY THANKFUL: Thank you for your heartfelt letter and helpful suggestions. I reminded "Wants" that writing personal thank-you notes was the proper thing to do, but not all readers fully agreed, including this one:

DEAR ABBY: Any spare time that mom has needs to be spent with family or taking care of herself.

I believe that in this day and age, the majority of people would understand and not expect a thank-you note for their donation. So a quick email of thanks would be more than appreciated.

Email is more acceptable now, especially among younger people. If this is all she has time for, it's better than no thank-you at all.

—Kelly in Winchester, VA.

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