« a fall wedding | Main | gumball machine »
Tuesday
Nov082011

dad turns seventy

My dad recently turned seventy (!) and my mom and I wanted to do something special for him. Dad didn't want a big party, and he and my mom were going to be out of town on his actual birthday, so we decided to give him a gift that would continue all month long.

I printed 70 postcards on thick cardstock (110 lb.), each with a different number between 1 and 70. My mom helped gather addresses for seventy of the important people in my dad's life: family members, old classmates, dear friends and all his grandchildren. Included in the envelope was a card explaining that it was dad's birthday, and that they needed to send the postcard back sharing their funniest memory of Skip. To make things easy, I pre-addressed and pre-stamped the postcards so all they had to do was write a quick note on the back and toss the card in the mail.

When my dad got home a few days after his birthday, there were a handful of cards in his mailbox. He was surprised and delighted. And then the next day there were a few more cards, and the day after that, a few more. This continued on for the rest of the month until he had quite a stack. I hadn't asked people to stagger when they mailed their cards, that just happened naturally. Some of the notes were heartfelt and quite moving, others were funny, bringing up memories my dad hadn't thought about in years. I especially loved reading what his grandchildren wrote. All in all, a pretty inexpensive gift (postage was our main expense) and one I think my dad will remember for quite some time.

PrintView Printer Friendly Version

EmailEmail Article to Friend

References (239)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
  • Response
    [...]inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy[...]
  • Response
    [...]inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy[...]
  • Response
    NFL is seriously 1 of the biggest sports in America. It has a major following.
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: index service
    Good Website, Carry on the useful job. Thanks a ton.
  • Response
    NFL is truly a single of the greatest sports in America. It has a significant following.
  • Response
    999 An essential half of each woman wardrobe are her footwear.
  • Response
    999 A vital section of each woman wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 An essential component of each lady wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 An essential piece of each lady wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 A vital portion of each woman wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 An important aspect of every female wardrobe are her shoes.
  • Response
    999 An essential component of every lady wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 An important element of every woman wardrobe are her footwear.
  • Response
    999 An important portion of every female wardrobe are her footwear.
  • Response
    Response: ugg outlet online
    999 An important component of each woman wardrobe are her shoes.
  • Response
    999 An important element of every girl wardrobe are her footwear.
  • Response
    999 An important portion of each lady wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    999 A necessary piece of every lady wardrobe are her shoes.
  • Response
    Response: babyliss curler
    999 A vital half of every girl wardrobe are her shoes.
  • Response
    999 An important piece of each female wardrobe are her shoes.
  • Response
    Response: cheap uggs online
    999 An essential part of each girl wardrobe are her sneakers.
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    criação e desenvolvimento otimizados sites em curitiba
  • Response
    Response: Teatro para Sipat
    teatro empresarial para sipat, teatro para empresas curitiba
  • Response
    urbes urbs curitibna
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: a forever recovery
    The top quality info drug addiction recovery statistics anywhere
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Tinyurl.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    alina77
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Chauffeured cars
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: bmr calculator
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: registry reviver
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: lose weight
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: waist height ratio
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: one-time offer
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: b2b seo full
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Anurag
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: live und nackt
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    adam02
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: sexercise
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: how you can help
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: harry potter
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: antonio curatolo
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: appeals court
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: emergency
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: fathers day 2014
    rihan
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: lipotor claims
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: sales
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: managing people
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ipo
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: gold ira
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: A
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: online marketing
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: sexercise Classes
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: advice
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Best Online Jobs
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: learn marketing
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: design
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: stick tip
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Venus Factor
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ZQuiet Return Form
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Seo HOuston
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Seo HOuston
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: father's day Poems
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Hay Day Hack
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: best hosting vps
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: best hosting vps
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    spine seo
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: feeling secure
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: acton real estate
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: acton real estate
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Jungle Heat Hack
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: psn code gratuit
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ZQuiet In Stores
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: milf dating
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Read Home Page
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: soup.io
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: www.rebelmouse.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Read Even more
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: informative post
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: a fantastic read
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: atoboo.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: exercise
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: sweet red wine
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: cscs card types
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: knowing it
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: google adsense
    I found a great...
  • Response
    I found a great...
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: youtube
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    I found a great...
  • Response
    Response: facebook.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: remedies for acne
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: trang paula rmit
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: trading foreign
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: news today
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: facebook.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ZQuiet For Tmj
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: visit the site
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: visit the site
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: seo norwalk
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: their website
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Acne Cream
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    We wish you a very happy Columbus Day
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    I found a great...
  • Response
    Response: katy landscapers
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ZQuiet Retail
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ZQuiet Retail
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: science fiction
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: sending Money
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: CLeanse Xtrem
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: web page
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Juveliere Review
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: www.rebelmouse.com
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: gadgets magazine
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: gadgets magazine
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Ayur Reviews
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Ayur
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: web site
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: web site
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: My Score Review
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: HCAMax
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Colothin
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: T-90 Xplode Review
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Bellagenix Review
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: GCB Ultra Reviews
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: vita cleanse
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Rejuven Eye max
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: Numbers Horwitz
    I found a great...
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: permanentny poznan
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: ΚΟΚΟΡΑΚΙΑ
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    inchmark - inchmark journal - dad turns seventy
  • Response
    Response: moja fantazja
    Poppy seed pasta (pasta with poppy seed, honey, raisins and nuts) $6.50 Chrusciki $8.00
  • Response
  • Response
    The Best Sandwich Delivery Company in Manchester, North West
  • Response
    Response: chwilówki
  • Response
    Response: antalaktika moto
  • Response

Reader Comments (88)

what an amazing gift! i'm sure he loved it.

Hi Brooke. What a wonderful idea! Do you mind if I use it for my Dad's 65th birthday that's coming up? I am not very artistic, and I don't know how to use any graphics programs, so would you mind sharing the template that you used? Thanks for sharing this lovely idea.

11.13.2011 | Unregistered CommenterEmily

This is a FANTASTIC idea! I may do this for my kiddos in the coming years. How FUN! :D

11.13.2011 | Unregistered CommenterChristine B

poignant perfection - bravo brooke and happy birthday to SKIP! xo w

11.14.2011 | Unregistered CommenterWhitney

I Just died at the gumball costume! But I died even more when you said it was Sara Clifton's daughter Lucca! I was in the ward with Sara when I lived in Brooklyn! Love the Cliftons! :)

11.16.2011 | Unregistered CommenterR O X Y M A R J

What a great idea! I love it. Inexpensive and low-pressure.

11.16.2011 | Unregistered CommenterLondon

I love this idea - this is one of the best thoughts I have seen in ages! Kudos!

11.16.2011 | Unregistered Commenterlynn

What a wonderful, thoughtful gift! Brought tears to my eyes. Love it.

11.17.2011 | Unregistered CommenterMeg

My mom turns 50 in July of next year, this would be such a great idea for her!!

11.18.2011 | Unregistered Commenterisabelle

Soo great! what a wonderful idea

11.18.2011 | Unregistered Commenternicole

Happy birthday to your dad from a neighboring city, Aliso Viejo! I don't know you, you do not know me... But this idea is so heart warming, my dad is almost 70 :)

11.18.2011 | Unregistered CommenterNese

This is the best idea I've heard in ages. Would you mind sharing the template with me? I LOVE how you pulled it all together.

11.19.2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlissa

(My email is alissa.packer@gmail.com)

11.19.2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlissa

this is amazing!!!

11.21.2011 | Unregistered CommenterJohi

I really love this and would like to do this in February for my mom's birthday. Would you mind sharing the template with me as well? Thank you!

E-mail: kimpresby@gmail.com

11.21.2011 | Unregistered CommenterKim

Because so much of this needs to be customized (name and address and the card that explains what the recipient should do), I wasn't going to make a template available. You also need to be able to print on very thick cardstock (110# so it doesn't get banged up in the mail) and print double sided.
Several people have reached out asking if I can make cards for them, and I am considering this. Please email me at brooke[at]inchmark[dot]com if you are interested.

11.22.2011 | Registered CommenterBrooke

Be sure that your profile is up-to-date with your latest work information and you have a well-written summary that touches on your experience, interests, and where you’d like to go. Start updating your profile now.

moncler jackets

11.22.2011 | Unregistered Commentermoncler jackets

I just loved ur idea..
What a nice gesture...
It means more than a gift...

Cheers!

11.22.2011 | Unregistered CommenterMegha

Wow!! What a terrific idea! Love it!

11.23.2011 | Unregistered CommenterTricia Cope

Very nice, thanks for sharing. rental mobil

11.24.2011 | Unregistered Commentervico

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>