Tag Archives: handwritten letters

Day 292: Kerry

Day 292-2As a board member of a local nonprofit, I occasionally meet with potential funders. I recently had the pleasure of meeting a board member from a family foundation that was interested in learning more about Street Sense, an organization I have been supporting for several years. I wanted to drop Kerry a note to thank her for taking time to meet with us and learn more about the incredible work that Street Sense is doing in Washington, D.C.

Day 292

Kerry,

It was wonderful to meet with you last Wednesday and share some of the work that Street Sense is doing to change the lives of men and women experiencing homelessness. It’s been one of the most inspiring organizations I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Please feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

Day 289: Anonymous letter left at Sheetz in Dillsburg

While driving through Pennsylvania I stopped in at the Sheetz gas station on Route 15 in Dillsburg and left an anonymous letter with some cash inside. I thought about hiding it under some blueberry mini muffins, but then I decided to place it behind something healthier. Why not reward someone for making a healthy choice today!

Day 289-2 Day 289

Day 288: Dad

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

 

 

Day 280: Anonymous letter left in New York’s Penn Station

Don Pepi's Pizzeria at Penn Station.

Don Pepi’s Pizzeria at Penn Station.

Today’s letter was scrawled quickly as I rushed to write it on the back of my laptop before I hopped on my train back to Washington. My quick draft didn’t come out as elegantly as I had hoped. I left it on the counter at Don Pepi’s Pizzeria at Penn Station.

I grew up watching the New York Mets on WWOR, I was a huge fan in the early 80s and was rewarded with a miraculous World Series victory in the fall of 1986. I could tell you any statistic about Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Mookie Wilson or Gary Carter (RIP my friend!).

Times have changed and so has my location. Living in our nation’s capital, I’ve become a strong fan of the Washington Nationals. In fact, I haven’t missed an opening day game since they moved the franchise to DC in 2005. This year didn’t end up the way we had hoped, but my old team, the New York Metropolitans are still in the race. So, here’s to them, LET’S GO METS!

Day 280

I tried to stamp the glove blue in honor of the Mets, but I may have used purple ink. I can’t tell. #BeingColorblind

Dear New Yorker,

I grew up a Mets fan – then moved to Washington, DC and became a Nationals fan. We lost this year to the Mets – their World Series Dreams are still alive. I wish them lots of luck in the playoffs!

Reed Sandridge
Washington, DC

P.S. LET’S GO METS!

Day 276: Bobby from Connecticut Ave. Wine & Liquor

Another thank you for one of the great supporters of the Street Sense Gala that I attended Thursday night. I’ve known Bobby and his team for several years – great bottle shop just footsteps from Dupont Circle.

Bobby and his team are terrific and they manage to pack their store with delicious beer, wine and spirits. Need to take a wine to a party? Stop in at 1529 Connecticut Ave. and tell Bobby or his team about what you are looking for and they’ll find you the perfect bottle for the occasion.

They’re my go to store for beer, wine and spirits and I am so touched that they so generously supported the Street Sense Gala. THANK YOU!

Day 276

Bobby,

I was so touched by your extremely generous and kind donation of wine and alcohol for the Street Sense Gala. The event was magical – I’ve never experienced a gala as inspiring as this one. It would not have been a success without your most generous donation and kindness. Thank you on behalf of all of the homeless men and women in DC that we work with to help find employment, housing and purpose in life.

My most sincere thanks,
Reed