Several years ago I watched as my wife was admitted to a hospital. It was a scary time for both of us — not knowing how long she would be there and what would happen. As doctors and nurses, family and friends visited us, I began to really listen to what was being said and written to us.

Some cards sought to bring easy answers to complex medical problems under the guise of "Get Well Soon." Visitors told us about the weather and what was happening with family and friends. Others who visited told us the latest joke to get our minds off of what was actually happening.