1978. Davis, CA
i received a card from an ex-girlfriend when i was in high school. printed on the front of the
card in big letters was; “steve, i think of you”. inside was a flexible red plastic record, also with
“steve, i think of you” printed on it.
the recorded message was written and read by rod mckuen. here is an abridged version:
hi steve,
caring is a special feeling, and these thoughts are especially for you.
every now and then it’s nice to stop a minute and think about those people you like.
yesterday i thought about you. today i think of you. and probably tomorrow thoughts of you will
help make the day just a little bit quieter. a little bit better.
thank you steve
thank you for being you
it’s all very nice and, well, thoughtful, but i remember being kind of shocked at how hokey it
was. i knew there was no irony intended; the person who gave it to me was being sincere and
wanted me to know she was thinking of me. it was a challenge to receive the message in the
way it was intended, given the way it was presented.