Author Archives: Reed Sandridge

Day 232: Barbara

Sometimes the worlds of my “Year of” projects collide – today is an example of just that. Barbara, who followed the Year of Giving and Year of Volunteering, dropped me a handwritten note to say hello. She said she’s enjoyed following my year-long pursuits and is looking forward to my book. Yeah, me and Barbara both. I’ve got a ways to go on that though, I just haven’t been spending enough time on it. Perhaps next year has to be the Year of Reed’s Book.

My letter with Barbara's card in the background.

My letter with Barbara’s card in the background.

Barbara,

Wow! I was so pleasantly surprised to get your letter – it’s been a long time. I looked through my old emails and found that I wrote you back after your email to me in September of 2011, but I’m not sure I ever sent you the volunteering suggestions?! Shame on me if I didn’t.

Thank you for sharing about your volunteering experience during your Spring Break – what a great way to spend that week. I think voluntourism is an interesting way to bring groups together while doing good.

Congratulations on your nursing degree. I’ve had several friends and family members in the hospital this year and have developed an even deeper appreciation for the profession. You’re doing truly important work!

Best of luck to you on your wedding, that’s exciting – hopefully not too stressful. Don’t forget that it is celebration and it’s meant to be a special day for you to remember – make sure you enjoy the moments.

Thank you again for reaching out and saying hello – that meant a lot to me. Stay in touch,
Reed

Day 231: Kyle

I’m in Boston for some meetings and finding a hotel that wouldn’t bankrupt my employer was really a challenge, so I chose Airbnb. You may recall I wrote to their cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky earlier this year (Day 90) – sadly I never heard back. I mean if Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush had time to write back, I think Brian could send me a short note, don’t you?

Anyway, it was my first time using Airbnb in Boston. And my first time using the service in almost a year. Everything went smoothly. My host, Kyle, was great and I thought I would leave him a little note of thanks on one of the note cards I received from 1Canoe2. While I doubt it will work out, it would be great if he and some of the other non DC recipients of my handwritten letters can attend the year-end celebration on January 5th. Who knows? Maybe some of them will come.

Day 231

This card was one of the cards that the amazing people at 1Canoe2 sent me to help with all of the stationery that I need to do the Year of Letters.

Kyle,

What a beautiful home you have. It’s literally at the doorstep of downtown Boston. Thank you for your hospitality and making sure that everything went smoothly with my stay. I hope that made it to your open water swim this morning and wish you luck in your upcoming triathlon.

-Reed

P.S. I’m a big fan of the lost art of handwritten communication and your note today is Day 231 of a year-long series: YearOfLetters.com.

 

Day 230: Paulina

Day 230Paulina is an old neighbor, well she’s not old, I mean she used to be my neighbor until she abandoned us all. Now I rarely see her – and that’s too bad as she’s one of those people you love to be around.

Paulina made a very thoughtful donation to an organization I support and I wanted to let her know how much her generous gift means to me. Gracias Paulina!

Day 230-2

Paulina,

This is way overdue, but thank you for generously donating to Street Sense back in June. Your donation was matched 100% by me – doubling the impact of your gift! Muchisimas gracias! Let’s get together soon.

Abrazos!
Reed

Day 229: Ryan

An embossed card and custom made envelope for my brother.

An embossed card and custom-made envelope for my brother.

Today is my brother’s 44th birthday. He’s the best and I love him more than I could ever express in a birthday card, but I reckon he still deserves a card.

Day 229

Ryan

We do not choose our family. As luck would have it, you got the perfect little buddy as your brother. You’re welcome! What’s more remarkable is that after 41 years (make no mistake, I know you’re turning 44) you choose to be my friend. I wanted you to know that I also choose you as my friend, my best friend.

I love you and wish you all the happiness in the world today and every day after.

Love,
LB

Day 227: Max & Elaine

Max is a fellow member of the Board of Directors of Street Sense and has been a huge supporter of the organization. I took a moment today to write him and his wife to let them know how much it means to me and the other Board members.

Day 227

Dear Max and Elaine,

I know that Brian thanks you for your strong support of Street Sense, but as the Development Chair I wanted you to know how much your generous support means to me and of course the men and women we serve. Your leadership doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you at the Gala.

With gratitude,
Reed