Tag Archives: letters

Day 177: Dave

Posted on June 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

One of the reasons that so many people knew about my Year of Giving project was a beautifully told CNN story by David Banks. As I write my way through the Year of Letters, I remembered that Dave has sent me a note around the holidays every year since we’ve met. I thought it was time that I returned the handwritten kindness.

Day 177

Day 177-2Hey Dave,

It’s been five years since we’ve met and I think you’ve dropped me a holiday card each year – thanks! I know exactly how many I have sent you. ZERO. Sorry, I’m trying to be better at staying in touch. I wanted to say hello and wish you Patchaya and Tanjira a wonderful summer. I’m not sure how often you are downtown in DC, but let me know, it would be nice to catch up. People still mention the CNN story you did on the Year of Giving – you did a beautiful job telling that story!

Take care brother,
Reed

P.S. I saw your quote other day on FB from Albert Camus, “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” So true!

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Day 176: Aunt Sue

Posted on June 25, 2015 | Leave a comment

I’ve written Aunt Sue a few times this year. She has lived at an assisted living center for nearly 18 months. She’s sad and bitter that her freedom has been stripped away. She no longer drives, cooks or calls people. I try to call her regularly, write her notes and make the eight-hour journey to visit her whenever I can.

Day 176-2

Aunt Sue,

I thought I would drop you a note to say hello. I talked to Ryan today and he said that he bought his airfare to come visit. I don’t think Jacqueline will be going with him in the end. I know you were looking forward to seeing her. I am checking with my work commitments to see if I might be able to join him for part or all of the time.
I love you and think about you often.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
YKW (short for You Know Who – that’s how she used to sign her letters to me.)

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Sunday Notes & Letters for Week 29

Posted on June 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

Happy Flag Day!

For today’s post I thought I’d share with you a post I found recently on the blog Culture N Lifestyle. They feature 22 images from Liza Kirwin’s book, More Than Words, which celebrates illustrated letters from a variety of revered artists and designers. From Frida Kahlo to Andy Warhol to Eero Saarinen and many more. It’s worth clicking on that link above to check out all 22 photos, but here are a few for your enjoyment.

 

Enjoy

Freuh

Alfred Joseph Frueh

saarinen

Eero Saarinen

smith

Joseph Lindon Smith

 

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Day 149: The Ruta Family

Posted on May 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

I met my buddy Ryan Ruta while living in Valladolid, Spain back in 1995. We spent a semester studying Spanish at the Universidad de Valladolid. It was a tremendous experience and I made a couple of friends along the way, Ryan was one of them.

He ended up moving to Bolivia to do some post-graduate work, met his wife Twyla, got married, started a family and joined the Foreign Service. Every couple of years they move to a new country and he often comes back to Washington for periods of time, so we get to catch up then.

He was here back in April and I’ve been meaning to write him ever since.

I used some Wasi tape to add an international touch to the header of this piece of stationery.

I used some Washi tape to add an international touch to the header of this piece of stationery.

Dear Ruta Family,

I hope my note finds you well. One thing that I always enjoyed during my time abroad was receiving handwritten letters from friends and family.

I’ve been writing a handwritten note or letter to someone every day this year. Today is Day 149! I’ve written to all kinds of people – family, friends, celebrities, politicians – just yesterday I wrote to former President George W. Bush. Ryan even helped me leave an anonymous note with $10 in it at Starbucks on Day 104 while he was visiting here in DC. I’m sorry there’s no money in this letter for you, I learned long ago that sending cash in the mail is not a wise decision. That reminds me though of a short story, Una Carta a Dios by Gregorio Lopez y Fuentes. Have you read it? You can find it online – it’s really short but worth reading.

I hope to some day visit you guys while you are living abroad. I don’t know if I will make Honduras, although it’s one of the few countries in Latin America that I have not visited. It would be fun to see you and check it off of my list of countries to visit.

I hope that Bianca, Diego and Lexi are all doing well – hopefully making new friends and adapting to life there. I guess the same could be said for both of you too!

When you have time, drop me a note and let me know how you are doing. And definitely let me know when you’ll be in Washington as I always enjoy seeing you and catching up.

Abrazos,
Reed

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Day 138: Joseph Broadman, President & CEO of Amtrak

Posted on May 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

The derailment of Amtrak 188 on May 12th forever changed the lives of many people. Eight lives were lost, many were injured and families were broken. I take Amtrak a few times a year and know many others that do too. Thankfully I don’t think anyone I know was onboard, but my heart goes out to those who were.

Photo: Amtrak.com

Joe Boardman, President & CEO of Amtrak Photo: Amtrak.com

I’ve been impressed about how Amtrak has handled this tragic event. President and CEO Joe Boardman stated, “Amtrak takes full responsibility and deeply apologizes for our role in this tragic event.” You almost never hear a leader say that.

Everything that I’ve read and heard about how Amtrak has responded to this situation has been positive. Good for them for doing things right. I thought Mr. Boardman might like to get a note letting him know that we are watching and appreciate his leadership during this difficult time.

Day 138-2

Dear Mr. Boardman,

Day 138

I embossed the letters and added washi tape to the bottom of this card.

Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and the entire Amtrak family for the recent tragedy outside of Philadelphia.

I wanted you to know that I have been very impressed with how you have managed this situation. It’s easy to be at the helm when business is going smoothly, but real leaders are uncovered amidst trying circumstances.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see - it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see – it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was one of the first passengers to ride Amtrak between Philadelphia and New York this morning when the route was reopened. Some questioned whether that was a safe decision on my part. Your leadership and transparency to date definitely played a role in establishing the trust that I have in your organization. Please keep up the good work.

My thoughts are with you, your team and the families of those affected by derailment.

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

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