Celebrating a very special year

Twyla’s birthday
line is
open!

For my mom’s 70th birthday (shh—don’t tell her I told you), I’m transforming a vintage rotary phone into a special audio birthday card, made from the voices of the people she loves.

Not sure what to say? See a few ideas →

Kindly reply by August 14

Ready when you are

00:00

Press record, say your name, and leave Twyla a special birthday wish.

Nothing is sent until you click “Sounds good—send it.”

Why this gift?

Presence,
not presents.

My mom shared with me recently that this birthday feels distinctly different. It carries a realization: “life” is no longer theoretical.

Time is precious, and it’s the people we give it to who make it so. She told me she doesn’t want any gifts. Just presence.

A gift can be set aside, used up, and forgotten. What we build in each other cannot.

Since I can’t physically bring everyone together to celebrate this birthday, I’m gathering something else: the presence she asked for, from everyone whose time with her has mattered. And even though she said not to, I believe that hearing everyone’s voice will be a gift well received. Carried in a voice unmistakably yours.

When she picks up the receiver, your memory, your story, your wish for her will be waiting there for her.

— Brock

It’s easy

Three little steps

1

Press record

Allow microphone access and start whenever you’re ready.

2

Speak from the heart

Share a birthday wish, favorite story or memory, or how she has influenced you.

3

Listen & send

Play it back, redo it if you like, then send it straight to Twyla’s birthday collection.

Need a little inspiration?

Things you might say…

Choose any prompt to open a private note pad. Jot down names, details, or a few words you want beside you while you record. Only your voice message will be shared!

01

A favorite memory

Tell us about a moment with Twyla that still makes you smile.

02

An untold story

Share a memory from one of her earlier decades that others might not know.

03

A lesson she shared

What is a life lesson Twyla passed on to you? Tell her how it stayed with you.

04

Her resilience

Tell a story about a time she showed real strength or resilience.

05

The best kind of laugh

Remember a time the two of you laughed until you simply couldn’t stop.

06

Twyla, today

Describe her in three words as she is today, and tell her why you chose them.

07

A wish for her next decade

Share your biggest wish for Twyla’s next ten years.

08

The difference she made

Tell her about a way she has shaped you, encouraged you, or made your life richer.

Another way is just as lovely

Prefer to record another way?

Use Voice Memos on your phone, record a video, or leave a voice note in your favorite messaging app. Please send the recording to .

Email your recording ↗Try the browser recorder ↑