Crafting A Get Well Card For A Stroke Survivor

Sending a get-well card to someone who has suffered a stroke is a thoughtful gesture that can lift their spirits and let them know you care. But finding the right words to say can be challenging. You want to be thoughtful and express your support, but it's also important to avoid saying something generic or insensitive. The tone of your message should be personable, supportive, and thoughtful. Including a personal touch, such as a favourite memory or a funny story, can make your card even more special. Whether you choose to be encouraging, hopeful, or humorous in your message, the simple act of reaching out can go a long way toward making your loved one feel better.

Include a funny or touching memory

Tia Newcomer, CEO of personal health nonprofit CaringBridge, suggests that a get-well note should be "personable, supportive, and thoughtful". She recommends including a memory in your card to make it extra special. Here are some examples of what you could write:

For a Child

• I remember when we [did a specific activity] and [describe what happened]. It was so much fun! I can't wait to do it again with you when you're feeling better.
• Do you remember when we went to [place] and [describe what happened]? We should go there again soon!
• I have so many happy memories of us [doing a specific activity together]. I'm looking forward to creating more happy memories with you soon.

For a Partner

• I was just thinking about that time when [describe a funny or touching memory]. I can't wait to make more memories like that with you.
• Remember when we [went on a trip together] and [describe what happened]? That was such a great trip! I'm looking forward to our next adventure together.
• I'll always cherish the memory of [describe a funny or touching memory]. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.

For a Parent

• I'll always remember the time when [describe a funny or touching memory]. Thank you for always being there for me.
• I know you'll get through this because you're the strongest person I know. I still remember when [describe a time when your parent supported you].
• I'll never forget all the fun we had [doing a specific activity together]. I'm looking forward to making more memories with you soon.

For a Friend

• I was just thinking about that time we [did something fun together] and [describe what happened]. Let's do that again soon!
• Remember when we first met and [describe a funny or touching memory]? That's when I knew we would be friends.
• I'll always cherish the memory of [describe a funny or touching moment you shared]. Here's to many more fun times together!

Make it personable, supportive, and thoughtful

When writing a get-well card, it's important to make the recipient feel supported and loved. The tone of the message should be personable, supportive, and thoughtful. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Make it personable

Share a funny or touching memory, or include a word or phrase that reminds you of them. This will make your message even more special and help to lift their spirits. For example, you could say something like:

> I'm not surprised that germs got attracted to you. It happened to me, too. Get well soon!

Make it supportive

Let the recipient know that you are there for them and that they are not alone. Offer help in any way you can and assure them that you will support them through their recovery. For example:

> I'm here for you every step of the way, whatever you need.

>

> I can’t wait to see you once you’re feeling better!

Make it thoughtful

Share your admiration for their courage and strength. Remind them of their own resilience and encourage them to stay positive. For instance:

> You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

>

> I know you well enough to know you’re probably frustrated about how long recovery is taking. Don’t forget to give yourself some patience and grace as you get better (and trust me, you will get better!)

Include a tribute to the recipient

Tia Newcomer, CEO of personal health nonprofit CaringBridge, suggests making your get-well card a tribute by including personal touches. She recommends jotting down a favourite funny or touching story, or a word or phrase that reminds you of the recipient. Here are some ideas for including a tribute to the recipient in your get-well card:

For a child

• Include a drawing or painting that they made, and write about how it brightens your day.
• Write about a fun day out you had with them, and how you can't wait to do it again.
• Mention their pet and how much joy it brings them.

For a partner

• Recall a funny story from your early days of dating, and how it still makes you smile.
• Write about how much you appreciate all the little things they do for you, and how you can't wait to return the favour.
• Mention your favourite date spot, and how you're looking forward to going there with them again.

For a parent

• Recall a childhood memory that involves them, and how it shaped you.
• Write about how they've always been there for you, and how you're going to return the favour.
• Mention something they always say that makes you feel better, and how you're going to use it to help them heal.

For a grandparent

• Write about a family tradition you shared with them, and how you're looking forward to continuing it.
• Mention a skill they taught you, and how you're going to use it to make them something special when they're better.
• Recall a story they used to tell you, and how it still inspires you today.

For a friend

• Mention an inside joke or a funny memory you share, and how you can't wait to make more.
• Write about how your friend has always been there for you, and how you're going to return the favour.
• Mention a hobby you share, and how you're looking forward to doing it together again.

Offer support and express how much you care

When writing a get-well card, it's important to make the recipient feel supported and loved. Here are some ideas for how to offer support and express how much you care:

Offer Help and Support

• Let me know if there's anything I can do to help during this difficult time.
• We are all totally happy to help with whatever you need while you recover, and you are not allowed to feel bad about it!
• I can’t wait to see you once you’re feeling better!
• I’ll be by your side while you recover.
• You’re not just a colleague but a friend.
• I'll be here for you day or night.
• We will be here for you every step of the way.
• I'll help with household tasks so you can return to a spick-and-span home.
• I'll bring you an interesting book, an extra blanket, and your favourite snacks.
• I'll DoorDash you a burrito.
• I'll send you a care package or gift.
• I'll help with your laundry or walk your dog.
• I'll send you a meal-prepped dinner or a food delivery gift card.

Express How Much You Care

• I miss you way more than you can possibly imagine.
• You mean the world to me.
• Your smile is my strength.
• I admire your courage in tough situations.
• I love you and am so proud of you.
• I share my strength with you.
• I can't begin to tell you how much I love and appreciate you.
• You are in my heart always.
• I'll be here to hold your hand, feed you soup, and help nurse you back to health.

Include a Bible verse or quote

When writing a get-well card after a stroke, it is important to be personable, supportive, and thoughtful. Including a Bible verse or quote can be a great way to do this. Here are some ideas to include in your card:

Bible Verses

• "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3
• "The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health." - Psalm 41:3
• "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord." - Jeremiah 30:17
• "Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony." - Psalm 6:2
• "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." - Proverbs 16:24
• "Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!" - Isaiah 38:16
• "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." - Jeremiah 17:14
• "Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance, prosperity, and security." - Jeremiah 33:6
• "And the power of the Lord was with him to heal." - Luke 5:17
• "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." - Isaiah 53:4-5
• "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." - Psalm 28:7
• "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

Bible Quotes

• "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
• "See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."
• "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."
• "He said, 'If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'"
• "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
• "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
• "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
• "It wasn’t any herb or ointment that healed them but your word alone, Lord, which heals everything."
• "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."
• "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

Frequently asked questions