Mabel's Greeting

Mabel pressed the button on the control panel, elevating the top half of the bed so she could recline and open her mail. Today was her birthday, and she happened to have a large stack of letters waiting for her. The nurse, who was seated next to her, tore open an envelope and handed her a greeting card. She took it in her frail hand, inspecting the cover:

For the greatest grandma ever

A shadow of concern fell upon her face. She looked at the nurse for a moment, who encouraged her to open it. She looked back at the card and slowly turned the cover:

On your birthday, I just wanted to let you to know that I am thinking about you, and that you are truly loved.

Your great grandson,
Luke

It was a card from her only great grandson, Luke. Mabel had watched Luke grow from a rambunctious toddler to an enterprising young man. She thought about his straight blond hair and cheerful demeanor. He was always a kind and gentle boy. Mabel held the card in front of her for a moment, and the nurse finally reached for the card to hand her another one. But Mabel was still and vacant. A tear fell down her cheek and she pressed the card with both hands against her chest.

The nurse paused and placed her hand on Mabel's shoulder. "Luke must be a fine young man."

Mabel closed her eyes and nodded her head. After several moments, she looked at the nurse and held the card up so both could see. She turned the card around and pointed to a small insignia in the lower left corner:

A Facebook Greeting®

It was a stock greeting sent to her automatically by the service, as most greeting cards were these days. The nurse looked at Mabel.

"Now, Mabel, just because Luke used a greeting card service to send this to you doesn't mean he doesn't mean it. I'm sure Luke is thinking of you today."

Mabel closed the card and reached into the top drawer of her nightstand. She pulled a stack of four cards and placed them on her lap. The nurse watched as she held one up, comparing the messages.

Great grandmother, you have always been there for me, and on your birthday I want to remind you how much you truly mean to me.

With love,
Luke

"Well, Mabel, isn't that nice. Luke seems to really care about you."

Mabel overlapped the cards so one was folded into the other. Then she slid the inner one up until the signature of both cards was visible, one above the other.

Each signature was in blue ink, which contrasted with the black text above. While it looked as if each could have been signed individually, the signature on both cards was perfectly identical. After comparing the two side-by-side, it was obvious that the signature was printed by the greeting card company.

"Yes, Mabel, Facebook Greeting Company asks all their clients to scan and submit their signature. Then, they print the signature on the interrior of the greeting cards before they send them out. Mabel, it is very likely that he composed this message himself."

Mabel seemed inconsolable. She just looked down at the several cards and slowly shook her head. The nurse continued:

"Mabel, I know that Facebook Greeting Company allows its customers to automatically generate messages based on client and recipient profiles. I know it is possible Luke didn't write this note, or even remember your birthday. But, he certainly spent the time to log you into his friends and family database. And, he certainly filled out a profile that would allow for appropriate messages to be crafted for you. I'm sure Luke is a busy young man, Mabel."

Mabel slowly reached into her drawer again, pulling a yellowed piece of paper from underneath a stack of papers. She held it in front of her so the nurse could see.

In Loving Memory of Luke Anderson
Born December 23rd, 1985
Died October 2nd, 2006