Endangered Genre: The Thank You Note

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I recently saw a thank you note which impressed me as the 

closest thing to a masterpiece of the genre as I have seen.  
I received the permission of the writer to post the letter here. 

Dear --

As I am sure is evident, I am writing this thank you note with my

new --  -- pen.  I do love owning two of these pens as I'm really 

never without one.  When M-- saw I had two, he immediately asked,

"Now can I use one every once and awhile?'' To which I without 

hesitation said, "no."  I really do love the heft and smoothness of 

these pens.  Plus, it would not be an exaggeration to say I think 

about you every time I used them, which in and of itself makes

me happy.    Thank-you also for the chocolate covered strawberries.  

They were spectacular in every way.  They looked great, tasted

great, and there were plenty to share.  The strawberries were huge.

I've never seen anything like them.  It was a very thoughtful gift -

yummy, but not decadent - and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. 

Finally, thank you for the autographed copy of [your book].  

P-- & I are both about halfway through,  and enjoying 

the book immensely. Although I did think it was customary to 

dedicate magic books to the --, I quickly overcame my sadness

when I saw the personalized autograph. I love reading a book by 

someone I know and love.  It's a unique reading experience and 

a lot of fun. I love you all very much and am grateful for you 

every day.  Xo xo.  

It's a wonderful letter.  It has the one indispensable element all

thank you notes must have to be truly effective: at least one

specific reference to the gift given; but the writer transcends the

ordinary thank you note when she writes, "... it would not be an 

exaggeration to say I think about you every time I used them, 

which in and of itself makes me happy."  This is much nicer than

just saying I love you.  There are many forms of love out there,

not all of them very interesting or even constructive, but to say

to someone, even the thought of you makes me happy is to say,

"You are a blessing.  You are a true blessing in my life."

What more could any of us wish to be? 

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