Category Archives: Birthdays

Day 342: Uncle Jim

I used some items from Paper Source to make this card.

I used some items from Paper Source to make this card.

My uncle Jim’s birthday is today – I am pretty sure that he is turning 86. He has had a rough couple of years with his health but he’s a fighter. That shouldn’t surprise me, he’s a Command Sergeant Major Retired from the U.S. Army. He’s a man of few words, I treasure each of them.

Day 342-2

Uncle Jim,

This will not get to you on time and I apologize, but, I did want you to know that I am thinking about you today and hope that you had a wonderful birthday. It was good to see you and spend time with you in October. I have shoulder surgery planned for January and wont be able to travel for a while, but I hope to get down to Kingsport by springtime.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Jason

Day 324: Patricia

Day 324My friend Patricia still cherishes handwritten correspondence. She chooses the paper carefully and writes thoughtful, handwritten notes regularly.

I thought for her birthday I would make her a card. I embossed the happy birthday note on the front of a paper that I purchased at Paper Source.

Day 324-2

Patricia,

Greetings from Boston! I hope that you have a wonderful birthday. I’m sorry I missed your recent performance in Bethesda – I’m sure you nailed it.

Here’s to another great year and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Reed

 

Day 322: Aunt Barb

Today is my Aunt Barb’s birthday. I got to see her last month – she always cooks a delicious meal when I’m down at their place in Kingport, TN.

Day 322

Aunt Barb,

Just a note to wish you a happy birthday today. Despite the circumstances, I enjoyed spending time with you and Uncle Jim in October. I hope you are both doing well. I heard today that Betty was admitted to the hospital – been a tough month.

Love you & hope to see you soon,
Jason

Day 306: Aunt Betty

Day 306-2Last week I attended the funeral of my Aunt Sue. Although funerals are always sad for me, the coming together of family helps us heal. One person that I got to see last week was my Aunt Betty – Sue’s older sister. I know she has not been feeling well and I wasn’t sure she was going to be able to make it to the funeral.

Aunt Betty, along with my Uncle Larry, made the trip to Richlands for the funeral. She looked great and I was very happy that she was there.

Today is her birthday and I wanted her to know that I was thinking about her.

Day 306

Aunt Betty,

I wanted you to know that I am thinking about you today on your birthday. Despite the circumstances, it was good to see you last week in Richlands. I know you have not been feeling well – I am glad you were able to make it. I hope you feel better and look forward to seeing you and Uncle Larry soon.

Love,
Jason

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