Thank you cards are an interesting thing in my world.

I get them from students I’ve hosted for job shadow experiences.

I get them from people I’ve written about.

Recently I even got one from a gentleman who wanted a photo I took of his grandson playing soccer for Kentlake High.

Today, Thursday, May 24, I received a thank you card from Elena Stowell.

I’ve known of Elena since April 2007 when I wrote a story about the death of her daughter, Carly, with my former colleague Carly McElligott who had covered the Kentlake freshman during winter sports that year. Carly Stowell had been the point guard for the Falcons girls basketball team.

We didn’t talk for the first time until October 2009 when I interviewed her about a fundraiser for the Carly Stowell Foundation, a non-profit she and her husband Chuck started to help kids do what they love, whether it was play music or sports.

It followed naturally with something Carly used to say: Do what you love and love what you do.

Elena has that saying tattooed on her calf.

When I interviewed her for the story which ran in the May 18 issue of the Reporter, “How jiu jitsu helped a grieving mom recover,” Elena was wearing capris so that was actually the first time I had seen the tattoo.

What’s interesting about our relationship is that first interview happened when I was just weeks from my due date when I was pregnant with my daughter. It gave me a whole new appreciation for what Elena has been through.

And like Elena, I have a tattoo that honors my daughter, my first-born. Different reasons, of course, different kind of tattoo.

Still, since that first conversation in the fall of 2009, I’ve felt a kinship with Elena even though I can’t fully understand what she’s been through.

Naturally when the email came through on May 3 from Elena to the editor@covingtonreporter.com address that she had written a book I replied immediately to try and set up a time we could talk about it.

Last time I saw her was on Senior Night for the Kentlake boys basketball team. Her son Carson was on the team. That night I brought my daughter, Lyla, whom Elena and I have talked about but she had not yet met my kiddo.

It was sweet to watch the game, talk about parenting, basketball, and see Elena run her fingers through Lyla’s curly hair. Maybe a wistful moment… I couldn’t say but I loved it.

That was in late February. Our interview about the book in mid-May was a long conversation that covered far-reaching topics.

It was a moment in time which makes my job worthwhile.

And I think the resulting story was awesome, not because I’m a great writer or teller of stories, but because Elena has a powerful message.

Honestly, it should be me sending her the thank you card.

Thank you, Elena, for sharing your story with me even though I know there have been times when we’ve talked about the foundation that must have been a struggle.

And from all those who I am sure you will be touched, I will be presumptuous and thank you for telling your story, because I know it will have an impact.

Of all the thank you cards I’ve gotten lately this is one I will be sure to keep.