Tag Archives: embossed

Day 303: Brookdale Kingsport

Day 303-2A week ago today my aunt died after declining significantly in health over the past two years. She was a very special person for me. Every time my mother went into the hospital, Aunt Sue was there. She’d show up the same day and stay as long as she was needed.

Aunt Sue’s health started to decline in recent years. After losing her son and her best friend, I noticed her attitude changing. She seemed alone in this world and would frequently tell me that she no longer wanted to live. Two years ago her health rapidly started to deteriorate. She started showing clear signs of dementia and became very frail.

Over the past two years I called her, visited her in Tennessee and of course wrote her handwritten letters. But she was no longer the person I once knew. For the past 18 months she was living at an assisted living center. The staff there took tremendous care of her and I wanted to thank them for everything they did for my aunt.

RIP Aunt Sue – I love you very much.

Day 303

Brookdale Staff,

I wanted to send a note to thank everyone at Brookdale Kingsport for taking such wonderful care of my aunt: Sue Huels. She had not been well for some time. The woman that you knew was just a fraction of the woman she was. Every one of you showed so much kindness, compassion and respect toward her – even in her most difficult times. Thank you.

With gratitude,
Jason Reed Sandridge
(Sue’s nephew)

Day 300: Ronda

Another handmade card and envelope.

Another handmade card and envelope.

I made it to Day 300!!!

Today’s letter is to my cousin’s wife Ronda. She recently finished her PhD program focusing on the intersection of post-secondary education and first-generation Appalachian students. It’s an academic accomplishment that I don’t believe I could achieve. A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet one of the top environmental scientists in the country. Talking about his PhD work, I recall him saying, “If I knew how long and hard it was going to be, I would have never pursued it.”

Congratulations Ronda!

Day 300

 

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
-M. K. Gandhi

Ronda,

Completing your doctoral degree is remarkable – it speaks to your dedication, commitment and curiosity for the unknown. Education, both formal and informal, is an important part of what makes life meaningful. We learn to be open-minded. We share what we learn with others and pass down our knowledge to future generations – it’s the soul of society.

Congratulations,
Jason

 

Day 293: Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!

Birthday card to my Dad from Steve Wozniak!

You may recall that back on Day 236 I wrote Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak asking him to send my father a letter on his 75th birthday. I didn’t think this would happen – I had tried back on his 71st birthday – but I was wrong.

He didn’t write much, but it meant a lot to my Dad. I thought that was so cool of Woz and wanted to write to him to let him know how grateful I am for his kindness.

Day 293-3

Woz,

Thank you so much for sending my father a birthday card on his 75th birthday – it made his day. You’re a classy guy. Thank you.

Keep on creating!

Reed

P.S. My brother and his wife and I bought my dad the Apple watch for his birthday – so far he likes it. I can’t help but be curious about what you think about it.

Day 261: Chris

The VP of my department is always so thoughtful when she travels – she always brings back some wonderful little gift from wherever she was visiting. Her latest trip was to the Dolomites along the Italian Swiss border I’m guessing as I showed up to work one day and found a container of Hexensalz, salt blended with herbs and a tiny bit of chili to give it an enjoyable kick!

I rarely do this myself, not because I don’t think about others when I’m traveling but because I never know what to bring people. Somehow Chris knows what to get people. I love to cook to this was perfect.

She was out of the office today, but I left her a little thank you note on her desk.

Day261-2

Day261

Chris,

You know me well. I love the Hexensalz you brought back from the Dolomites. I’ve already used it twice – I sprinkled some on buttered bread for a spicy aromatic snack and last night used it to season some pan seared salmon – delicious! 

You are so thoughtful,
Reed

 

Day 250: Michael Raymer

Screen Shot 2015-09-11 at 12.19.30 AM

photo: inquisitr.com

Last week I heard about a touching story of a mail carrier in Glendale, AZ who left his customers handwritten notes (one of them is shown here) informing them that he was retiring at the end of the month and telling them how much he enjoyed getting to know them over the years.

You can check out the story for yourself here.

Day250-2

Michael,

Today is Labor Day and I thought it would be fitting to drop you a note – you’ve certainly worked hard throughout your career and deserve a day off. Thank you for both your military and civil service to our country.

I created a custom card for Michael

I created a custom card for Michael

I read about your handwritten note to your mail customers – that was very thoughtful. I particularly appreciated it because not only did I grow up next door to a postal carrier, but I also am a big fan of handwritten correspondence.

Do you have any special stories you would be willing to share about your work as a mail carrier. I imagine over the past 20 yrs you must have had some good ones!

Best of luck in your retirement!
Reed Sandridge