Help Writing A Thank You Card

[hippyhoppy]

My uncle popped his cloggs in Feb.. and last week a cheque for £1,000 from his estate landed on my door mat, so I need to send Auntie Cyn a thank you card.. and all I have is 'just a quick note to say thank you so much for the incredibly generous and most unexpected gift from yourself and Uncle Michael'... then the pen runs dry... seems a bit measly.. any help would be appreciated... thanks... ;-) xx

[grasscarp]

You could say what it means to you. I will be able to buy X ....... which I have always needed/wanted etc

[islasmum]

Do you have any nice memories of him you could write about?

[Yorky Lass]

I wouldn't start it Just a quick note, sounds as though you are in a rush. Perhaps I am writing to thank you........ Then tell her what you are probably going to spend it on or put towards.

[sandyRoe]

It's not really a gift from them both.
'...most unexpected bequest from uncle M...'.

[hippyhoppy]

Her note said 'This gift from Uncle Michael come with his very good wishes and mine too. Aunty Cyn.. Enjoy' Ergo 'Gift' seems appropriate...

[joko]

don't say 'just a quick note' ... that's exactly what you DON'T want it to seem like - it could make it sound like you just scribbled it between the ad breaks on the back of an envelope or something.

say, 'i just wanted to send you a letter to say thank you for ...'

also say it is so nice of him to think of me,
he was a great uncle,
you will miss him (if he was and if you will, of course)

maybe mention what you might do with it ... (probably best its nothing too frivolous though, like spoiling the kids or yourself, or handbags or shoes etc - maybe say you will put it towards some lessons or a much needed new washing machine, or new car or whatever - make something up if you don't know)

also why not 'flesh' it out by including a few copies of some photos of him, ones she doesn't have, say you thought she may like them.

also, depending on your location and relationship with her, why not finish off with an invite for lunch somewhere?

[joko]

i dont think it really matters but read it as the best wishes come from her too, not the gift

[hippyhoppy]

Revised version.. 'Just a note to say thank you so much for the incredible generous and most unexpected gift from yourself and Uncle Michael. I shall always remember your wedding anniversary at our lovey home, with champagne in the 'folly' (jealous that I didn't qualify for a Folly pin!). Hope ypu are keeping well Auntie Cynthia... Lots of love D (Ohh now I have money might come down to Bath for the weekend!!!) *OK that last bit is a joke* Thanks for your input chap/essess..

[joko]

haha there were no answers when i started writing by the way, but it looks like mostly we all agree

[pixie373]

Perfect, joko

[sandyRoe]

I agree. Joko has it just right.

[excelsior-1]

Dear auntie Cyn

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this cheque from the settlement of uncle Michaels estate, and i would like to say a very big thank you to yourself for sending me this cheque

Your generosity is very much appreciated, and i shall (spend it wisely / place it into savings / whatever) - and always remember uncle Michael with great fondness

once again, my most profound thanks

[hippyhoppy]

Nice one Excel... Can I pinch that? ( And for the others.. the 'folly' was called the 'Pavillion' - how grand!!!!)

[excelsior-1]

Of course, that's why I suggested it

(i am rather good at this kind of thing)

[joko]

don't write 'the settlement of uncle michaels estate' - they're legal terms and sound a bit formal.
just say 'from uncle michael'

[excelsior-1]

a good point, joko

[Canary42]

Don't under any circumstances start of with "Just a ........", it sets the entirely wrong atmosphere for the letter.

[joko]

i would actually keep the gist of excels, but rewrite it in your 'own words' if you get me, so it sounds how you speak.
excels is good but it is a wee bit formal sounding in general really

[hippyhoppy]

So Canary.. 'just' about to scribe the card and you question 'just'... ? Any alternatives?

[Zacs-Master]

Why don't you phone?