Handwritten notes have always been a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and appreciation. In today's modern world, where electronic communication is the norm personally as well as professionally, a tangible expression of your feelings is especially thoughtful, and will almost certainly be appreciated and treasured.
The best way to thank someone who has made a difference in your life is to state your feelings simply and sincerely. Use words you are comfortable with keep the sentences short. This ensures that the tone of your correspondence is natural and light.
Never state the obvious because doing so is redundant. Redundant phrases include:
• I am writing you this letter because.....
• I have decided to thank you in writing for...
In other words, the act of doing so is self-explanatory.
Stating your thanks once is sufficient. Repeatedly stating how thankful you are can sound insincere. If you choose to repeat your gratitude, do so only in your closing phrase. The closing phrase could be a variation of the following:
• Your gratitude meant so much to me and won't be forgotten.
Underneath that phrase you may sign the following:
• Yours Truly,
Finally, close with your name on a line by itself.