The following is an email exchange from 2016 that I had with our classmate, Jeff Sauter. I have reversed the normal order of the email from bottom up to top down to make it an easier read. I encourage anyone reading this to take a moment and reach out to an old friend before it is too late.
I read an article in the Lansing State Journal with great dismay. You have had a stellar career; I have been watching from afar with the pleasure of knowing you before you were famous! I want you to know that I believe you have led an exemplary life, one of high moral character, an unmatched quick wit and a disarming smile. These are the attributes I’ll remember you by.
I know you are retired but can’t fully appreciate your condition as it may be. However, there are two Bobs that would love to take you to lunch if you are of a like mind, can find a time on your calendar that works and you have the physical and emotional energy to entertain us. Bob Kjolhede and I would be honored to have one last snippet of time with you if possible.
Thanks for the consideration and most of all, don’t feel like you have to respond if you don’t feel up to it. Time has a way of slipping away and it is precious. Use it as best you can. Take care.
Bob
Jeff's response:
Bob: Thank you for your kind words and message. I also have a great respect for you and Bob, the leadership you showed our class, and the manner in which you pursued your careers.
Unfortunately, my ability to go out to lunch, or even have many visits, has passed. I spend most of my days sleeping because medication from hospice. My voice is weak and talking much - even for pleasure, is tiring.
So I'm going to decline and say goodbye, regrettably by way of email.
Robert Kabbe
The following is an email exchange from 2016 that I had with our classmate, Jeff Sauter. I have reversed the normal order of the email from bottom up to top down to make it an easier read. I encourage anyone reading this to take a moment and reach out to an old friend before it is too late.
On Apr 19, 2016, at 11:18 AM, Robert Kabbe <bkabbe@kmgprestige.com> wrote:
I read an article in the Lansing State Journal with great dismay. You have had a stellar career; I have been watching from afar with the pleasure of knowing you before you were famous! I want you to know that I believe you have led an exemplary life, one of high moral character, an unmatched quick wit and a disarming smile. These are the attributes I’ll remember you by.
I know you are retired but can’t fully appreciate your condition as it may be. However, there are two Bobs that would love to take you to lunch if you are of a like mind, can find a time on your calendar that works and you have the physical and emotional energy to entertain us. Bob Kjolhede and I would be honored to have one last snippet of time with you if possible.
Thanks for the consideration and most of all, don’t feel like you have to respond if you don’t feel up to it. Time has a way of slipping away and it is precious. Use it as best you can. Take care.
Bob
Jeff's response:
Bob: Thank you for your kind words and message. I also have a great respect for you and Bob, the leadership you showed our class, and the manner in which you pursued your careers.
Unfortunately, my ability to go out to lunch, or even have many visits, has passed. I spend most of my days sleeping because medication from hospice. My voice is weak and talking much - even for pleasure, is tiring.
So I'm going to decline and say goodbye, regrettably by way of email.
Thanks again Bob.
Jeff