Tag Archives: birthdays

Day 288: Dad

Posted on October 15, 2015 | 2 comments
With Dad celebrating my 41st birthday.

With Dad celebrating my 41st birthday.

My father turns 75 today. He didn’t want much fanfare about the event, typical dad, just a low-key evening. Tomorrow my brother and I are taking him to dinner. We’ve got him a gift, but I had a special gift that I was hoping he’d receive.

Birthday card from Steve Wozniak!

Birthday card from Steve Wozniak!

Back on Day 236 I wrote to Apple co-founder and computer engineering genius Steve Wozniak and asked him to send my father a birthday greeting. I was getting ready to be a bit sour and share how disappointed I am that Woz failed to come through. But, my father picked up his mail today and said he got the card from Woz!!! Awesome! He was so happy – a special gift that money cannot buy.

If Woz can send Dad a card, then I sure as hell better send him one too! If you know my father, you’ll appreciate this one.

Day 288-2

Dad

Today marks your 75th year – quite an achievement. You’ve done a lot in your life.

You have been a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. You have succeeded in both your personal and professional lives. 

You’ve made me laugh hard and often.

You have the distinct ability to make processes more complicated.

You’ve sacrificed so much to give us the life we’ve had.

You smile and laugh at yourself with ease.

You’re really stubborn.

Dad and me - circa 1980

Dad and me – circa 1980

You sometimes make this slight but noticeable scowl where your lower lip curls upward.

You’re not afraid to show your affection for those you love.

You would live forever if eating Dairy Queen Buster Bars, chips & salsa and a fistful of vitamins were the key ingredients to a healthy life

You are one of the least critical and judgemental parents that I know.

You have interesting and innovative ideas – you are the original MacGyver.

You always have time for me.

You make up more sayings than anyone I know.

You are the original storyteller.

You taught me how to discretely transport booze in a guitar case.

It’s true, you are many things. And you will always be my father and I will always love you more than I ever show.

Happy 75th birthday Dad.

Love,
Jason

 

 

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Day 236: Steve Wozniak

Posted on August 24, 2015 | 1 comment
wozniak

Steve Wozniak, photo: mashable.com

Today’s letter is to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak with a special request for my Dad’s 75th birthday. This would make him so happy. The Apple my Dad owns has a label with some numbers on it, something like 00003. Some people say this is a serial number and that this is the third one ever made, others say this is a number put on the computer by the Byte Shop, the store where he bought the Apple I. Regardless, there are not many of these guys in existence today – I think less than 50. Pretty cool.

Day 236-2

Dear Steve,

Happy belated 65th birthday! I hope you and Janet had a wonderful celebration.

Wozniak and Jobs circa 1976 Photo: BusinessInsider.com

Wozniak and Jobs circa 1976 Photo: BusinessInsider.com

My brother and I grew up knowing your name since as early as I can remember. You see I was born in Los Gatos and when I was two you created the Apple I and my father purchased one at the Byte Shop. A veteran of mainframe computing at the time, this was and continues to be his most prized possession. Perhaps he had the vision to know that it would some day be a rare gem or maybe he was just too busy working and raising two kids that he procrastinated and never exchanged it for an Apple II in ’77.

My letter with a birthday card that I made for Steve to send to my Dad.

My letter with a birthday card that I made for Steve to send to my Dad.

Today its at a bank in a safe deposit box. I have seen it and he enjoys telling me about the early days of personal computing. 

My father, Jerry Sandridge, turns 75 this October 15th.  I failed to do something really memorable for his 70th birthday and was hoping to do something unique this year. I know you get lots of requests, but I am hoping you could send him a simple birthday wish.

I’ve included a birthday card and addressed stamped envelope for your convenience. I sincerely appreciate your considering this birthday wish – It would mean the world to my father.

Warm regards,
Reed Sandridge 

P.S. My Dad’s phone number is [number removed] in case calling him is easier – 90% chance you’ll get his voice mail as he doesn’t answer unknown numbers!

THANK YOU!

UPDATE: 10/15/2015

Woz came through and sent Dad a birthday card!!!! THANK YOU WOZ! You made his day!

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!

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Day 213: Kim

Posted on August 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

Happy birthday to my good friend Kim Perry!

I made her some stationery for her birthday – I bought almost everything I needed to make all of the note cards and envelopes at Paper Source. I love that store – and they better love me given how much stuff I’ve bought from them!

Day 213-2

Happy birthday Kim!

Some people have a special gif – they light up a room, make children smile, bring people together. They move through this world creating greatness by being the change they want to see. A handful of us are fortunate to know someone like this and have them call us a friend. You are that special person for me and I treasure that you call me a your friend.

Lots of love and happiness for you today and always,

Reed

Day 213

 

 

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Day 210: Anthony

Posted on July 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

Today was my friend Anthony’s 58th birthday. We met up today and I gave him letter number 210! This is one of the few letters I have written and then watched the person open it – not at the same time obviously.

Day 210

 

Day 210-2

Anthony

Thank you for your friendship over the past 5 years. You are always so kind in saying that I’ve helped you in various ways, but I want you to know that you have helped me understand the true meaning of perseverance, altruism and friendship.

For your birthday, I want to take you to a Steelers game. Not sure how I’m going to make that happen, but it’s going to happen!

Happy Birthday Anthony!
Reed

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Day 204: President Jimmy Carter

Posted on July 23, 2015 | Leave a comment
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks at an Ethical Elections Pact signing ceremony in Panama City, Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks at an Ethical Elections Pact signing ceremony in Panama City, Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

A letter or phone call from President Carter would be epic. Happy birthday Kim!

Day 204

Dear President Carter, 

Your dedication to public service and improving the lives of people from all around the world inspires me. You and Mrs. Carter are fantastic role models for those in public service as well as regular citizens like myself who strive to build stronger communities.

I’m writing to you today to ask a favor. A dear friend of mine, Kim Perry, is celebrating her 45th birthday on August 1st. She is quite possibly your biggest fan – excluding your family of course. She is the Executive Director of DC Vote, a nonprofit dedicated to securing democratic equality for the citizens of the District of Columbia. I know your public service has influenced her to follow the path she has chosen and a birthday greeting from you would mean the world to her. I hope that you will consider this request. Her contact details are:

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With respect and admiration,
Reed Sandridge

 

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