Happy People

It’s ironic to look back and realize that the Happy Little Card Store came from great sadness.

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In 2019, our daughter, Mary Jane, had a massive seizure and was diagnosed with MELAS disease. It’s a very rare, progressive mitochondrial disease with no cure.

So, how could we be happy? Here's what happened. One day, our amazing mother, Geri Zilian (grandmother), brought over paints and sat with her granddaughter, Mary Jane, at our kitchen table, and took a painting class together online. She thought it would be good stimulation for Mary Jane’s brain function. It was! They continued to paint the next day and the one after that. Slowly, family members sat down at the table with them, picked up paint brushes, and joined. These joyful, funny, and happy paintings got “cooked up” in the kitchen. Even our two puppies, Rosie and Lucy, joined in the fun. :)

We definitely have down days, but we realize that we always have each other, we really love our family, we have the support of our wonderful friends, and we have faith. Let me tell you, it can be a real challenge when Mary Jane is in pain or has had a long hospital stay after a recent stroke, but we stay at it. We pray, paint, and practice happiness by painting together.

From these experiences, Happy Little Card Store was born. We specialize in handcrafted cards, unique greeting cards, and custom cards. Each card is made with love and care, capturing the joy and creativity that painting has brought to our lives.

We donate to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to help find a cure for our daughter, Mary Jane, and for others like her. Helping makes us happy! We hope our greeting cards make you feel happy too!

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Visit us at www.HappyLittleCardStore.com to explore our collection of heartfelt and beautifully designed cards.

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