Tag Archives: handwriting

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

Day 240: Jay Korff

jay korffJay Korff of WJLA ABC-7 is one of the finest journalists in the business. I first met him while he was reporting on my Year of Giving project – you can watch his Emmy Award winning report here. He and videographer Mark Bautista won several other awards for their work on this story, including an Edward R. Murrow Award.

Anyway, not only is he a talented journalist, he’s a great guy and I wanted to let him know that his professionalism and kindness don’t go unnoticed.

 

Day 240

Dear Jay,

I know I’ve told you before, but sometimes it’s nice to take time and share one’s thoughts on paper. You’re a master storyteller and you put everything you’ve got into your stories. Even five years later, I’m still touched by the beautiful story you did on the Year of Giving. We’re very fortunate to have someone here in Washington with your dedication and professionalism to journalism. On top of the busy schedule you keep, I’m amazed that you find time to compete, and WIN, so many bike races. You are truly an inspiration.

Your fan and friend,
Reed

P.S. Please send my regards to Rosalyn and your kids – I enjoyed volunteering with them back in 2011.

Day 239: Jo Ann

Day 239-2My friend Danielle’s mother suffered a terrible fall earlier this summer and was hospitalized until the insurance company stopped paying for her stay. I’ve heard Danielle talk about her mother several times over the years and know that she is a beloved dance instructor in Frederick, MD.

She’s improving, but it’s a very slow process and she still hasn’t regained use of the right side of her body. I thought a letter might brighten her day.

Jo Ann requires 24/7 care right now which is not being paid by insurance and a fundraising page has been set up to assist with expenses. If you would like to help, I know Jo Ann and her husband Bill would be very appreciative.

Day 239

Dear Jo Ann,

I’m friends with Danielle – we used to work together at the American Heart Association. I am so sorry to hear about your fall. Danielle has been sharing your progress – I know it takes a long time, but hopefully it helps to know so many friends and family are thinking about you.

Stay strong,
Reed

P.S. I love the Take Them a Meal app. If I lived closer, I’d make you something. Instead I made a small donation to your recovery fund.

Day 237: Jeannine

Day 237-2I got such a nice handwritten letter from my friend Jeannine. The words were wonderful and so was the paper, but what made her correspondence stand out was her envelope. It was sealed with her initial into hot wax. Nice touch!

Day 237

Dear Jeannine,

I’m overdue on replying to your thoughtful letter postmarked July 17th. I couldn’t agree more with you on your sentiments about handwritten letters and their timeless appeal. And while words may last longer these days in electronic format, words placed on fine paper by hand carry exceptional meaning.

You must be getting ready to say goodbye to the summer concerts and trade in your seat at those great shows for a place on stage in your classroom. What will you be asking your students to read this fall? I used to loathe the required reading in high school although I sometimes think about rereading some of the books: Great Expectations, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, A Raisin in the Sun, etc. I’m still upset that someone wrote on the inside cover of my Gatsby book, “Don’t waste your time, Myrtle and Gatsby both die.” Ruined it for me.

Anyway – have a wonderful school year, stay in touch and know that I appreciate you following yet another one of my yearlong journeys.

Take care,
Reed