How’s Rick Remembered Today?

Howdy Uncle Rick,

I'll miss saying that to you in person. It's hard to write this, as most of these thoughts and feelings weren't ever things I thought I'd need to share, even though I probably should have. A lot earlier and far more often at that. This will be my opportunity to get these thoughts out into the universe, with sentiments that I so desperately hope you already know about, regardless of whether I conveyed them properly or not with words and actions that were likely less obvious than what I'm stating so directly here.

First, I want you to know how much you are loved by your family, friends, and multiple communities that you are so deeply involved in. With that out of the way, I want you to know how much I love you. Growing up, you were always the Uncle that I saw as put together, wise, stoic, intelligent, charming, and filled with more creativity than he knew what to do with, even though you always did put it to good use. Then, as I grew older, I realized that I still felt the same way about you. You were uniquely funny in such an effortless way, and I loved the moments at family parties or events when something was overheard by the both of us, and we would give each other a look acknowledging the ridiculous nature of it. I'll truly miss those small magical moments where it felt like we were laughing together, but separately, and only on the inside. That's another thing I love about you – we could have meaningful heart to heart conversations, but also say nothing at all and it felt like we were communicating all the same, simply by how we existed in certain situations.

The last two days have felt completely unreal and I am still trying to process everything. But, it really hit me tonight, when I was giving Satsuma a bath. I started thinking about how you became a grandfather such a short time before I became a father. It took me back to my childhood and growing up with Ly and Aly. There are plenty of gaps in between, along with a lot of outsider perspective and romanticism, I'm sure, but I landed on the conclusion that you are half of the integral duo that raised two of the smartest, artistic, talented, and strong women that I know. It was that thought which made me even more grateful to know that my daughter was able to meet you, as well as bring me to a place of comfort knowing that Baily had the fortune of being around her grandpa. As I sat at the bath wiping the water from Satsuma's face, I found myself wiping tears from my own with the same towel. I thought about what it means to be a father. A father to a daughter. The impression we can make, the value we can have, the love we can give, and the person we can help develop. When I look at my cousins, talk to them, see who they've become – I know you did the best you could as their dad and I don't see how you could be anything other than proud. That's all I can hope for in raising my own daughter, so just know that I take that example to heart and will do my best as well.

I know Gobe has her own words to offer up, but to reiterate something she said that rings very true – we've always felt a strong connection to you and Auntie Linda, as it felt like we were living somewhat parallel lives during Gobe's time in LA and the constant back and forth between two cities. It was such a joy being with the both of you when we all ended up being in California at the same time. That was a night to remember and one that really emphasized some of the unique similarities between our relationships, which was yet another thing for me to look up to and marvel at. It always felt like validation that two people who were strong, independent individuals, who were often away from one another, could make it work and have love stronger than any measurable distance. For that, I thank you both.

There's always more to say, and I'm sure I will say it as time goes on. To family, to God, and to myself when I need to take a beat to come back to reality. When it comes down to it, there is so much good left behind here, which I am devastated you won't be able to experience in person, but am optimistic you will be a part of in spirit. I will keep it in my heart to know you are there with us during any family trips, big milestones, victories, defeats, ups and downs alike, you are there rooting us on, teaching us to be confident and composed, and locking your eyes with mine whenever someone's stray words fall onto our ears and pique a shared sense of humor that will never go away.

I love you so much, Uncle Rick.

Your nephew –

Alex

“I just sent it over for you to review. Let me know if want to make any changes. I have another 20 minutes.”

He sounded slightly more hurried than he usually does.

If you know Rick Abe there is nothing hurried about him- when you around him, you feel his calming influence…you feel his thoughtfulness and his deep caring for you. You never felt he was distracted- no incoming phone calls or involuntary checking or scrolling on his phone…he is right there…on a call, in a zoom meeting, or in person…very intentional about interacting with you.

In a mercurial world, I deeply appreciated his stoic approach to life. Often, in my most intense moments, I wanted to be on call with him or have coffee with him. He would calm me, settle me, and help me find equilibrium in the moment. He was much like my father that way. It makes sense since it was my father who introduced me to this gift of a human being.

I opened the presentation file. And there it was. Clean. Clear. Elegant. Welcoming. Inspiring. Beautiful. And just like how he dressed- it just looked so good and so well put together. He took my mumbled and chaotic thoughts and produced beauty in an hour, in the clinic waiting room. Rick was an artist. I would often say to myself- I work with an artist. And of course, there were the subtle undertones of that familiar purple and yellow of the Nudj Health brand that he inspired and launched when we started the company.

He created the brand…because he is the brand. Rick Abe is the Nudj Health brand.

“Rick, this is perfect. You gave me exactly what I was looking for. Nailed it. Thank you”.

Was I shocked by the sheer elegance of the presentation design he produced in less than one hour? No, not at all. Many of you who were blessed to have worked with him over the years would not be shocked either.

But I could not determine what was more stunning- the fact that he did all that while he was waiting to get his intense chemotherapy at the clinic or that he was asking me to get additional changes I wanted before he gets wheeled in for more painful and soul-crushing treatment.

(The Founder, A Master-Class Entrepreneur- Rick Abe)

Stunning. Yes. But that was Rick- So noble. So humble. So caring. So elegant. So creative. So purposeful. So ready to serve…..even in the most intense, life or death moments. He did it because he so profoundly believed in Nudj.

He was my friend, my conscience and the beating heart of the mission and purpose of the company. When I was distracted or confused….he was there to re-align me around or mission and around our why.

I remember, five years ago when we started the company, we sat together in the Pasadena office and he asked me- why are we building this? Why do something as crazy as build another company in healthcare. I gave him a rambling and loquacious response.

I asked him. Why build Nudj? He was already successful enough to just spend time with his beautiful family, play with his grandchildren, and enjoy the world and time with them.

"Because it is good for humanity.”

Just weeks after his initial cancer diagnosis, Rick and I embraced each other on the streets of Pasadena, holding each other and crying. I cried on his shoulder…weeping…my breathe heaving heavy into his shoulder blades. I was crying on his shoulder, even though he was the one dealing with the heavy news. As I embraced him, I realized how thin and bony he had become. This professional ballroom dancer. This collegiate gymnast. This Renaissance man. This man of deep faith. This Chief Creative Officer. He was felt so fragile. But there he was- Holding me. Assuring me. Caring for me…..

Rick is not only my mentor, but he is who I strive to be. We will all be better humans if we incorporated more of Rick Abe in our lives.

To the Nudj Family- he truly loved all of you. On that day in Pasadena, he handed me a book- What Do You Do With An Idea?

On the inside page, he wrote me a note that I believe was meant for all of us. I share it with you here (also attached).

“Dear Yuri,

A good idea can be nurtured and grown but sometimes it can be at the expense of humanity. Thank you for recognizing that the very best ideas are not at the expense of humanity but for the sake of humanity.

You and I have weathered many different challenges over the years, and it has been my absolute honor to stand with you. Thank you for making this chapter of my life one of meaning- both in what we do and how we do it.

Cheers to the next chapter!

With love and gratitude for our friendship

Rick”

Rick Abe passed away on Thursday. But he will always be here with us at Nudj, watching and guiding us from above.

He truly loved Nudj.

I love you, Rick Abe. We all love you, Rick Abe. Thank you for everything.

Here is to us building the next chapter with his spirit, soul, and his character deep inside us all.

RIP.

Dear Rick,

My heart broke when I read that you have passed.. Janice and I have been praying for you since we heard you were battling cancer. I know you fought it with all of your might .. I am so happy we met this past January for lunch .. and was so hopeful that the surgery would be successful..

I have fond memories spending time with you back in the 80’s ..our carefree days, eating cheap chicken plates at Moc Moc in Gardena, practicing music to lead worship for our Evergreen small group .. remember the time we lip-synced to “Funkytown” and did a cheesy dance at Mount Hermon? We had a mutual love for music , cars, God, and a wicked sense of humor! We’d often laugh so hard we’d be in tears! Thank you for designing the CD cover and poster to my band, N’fusion. You are a man of many talents! Always so techy, laughing at how non techy I was…

Thanks for coming out to many of my gigs and for keeping in touch thru the years . Even when you and Linda moved to Seattle, we could still pick up where we left off , whenever you were in town.

I thank God for your life and for bringing us together. It was an honor to have you in my wedding party, and honored to be in yours as well. Some of our best days of our lives.

I will miss our chats, the laughter , but will always cherish the good memories we had together. I know God had a plan for you .. and took you out of pain. So long for now. Look forward to seeing you one day in heaven so we can continue where we left off.

Love you brother!

Jeff Ng

Hi Rick,

I sure wish that my last email had more meaningful and profound thoughts in it, but it is a relief that it will be smooth sailing for you from here on out. No more speed bumps to battle. You will forever have a very special place in our hearts. You did so much for our family in bridging the generation gaps, and making sure to bring everyone closer with recording our ancestors and family history, your kind heart, your quick and timely wit, but most of all, your ever loving presence. Your wonderful traits will be very sorely missed until we meet again. You did great, Rick!

Leaving you with a couple photos to back up this last claim…

Love,

Kim & Eric

Rick,

Hope everything is fine with you as you leave us for this personal journey that we won't be able to share with you. You and I hadn't had journeys together although we did get to share family experiences together and that is where I could see how you affected Linda's life and my life during those special times. I'll miss you, just remember that you did make an impression on me. Take care.

Love,

Andy

I met Rick Abe long ago, long before Linda and of course before his daughters. In fact they were married at a wonderful ceremony at the then Lake Avenue Congregational church in Pasadena, a project on which we had worked together as architects and had just been completed, as if on time for this wedding.

We met at the architectural firm and our relationship, initially based on mutual respect and admiration professionally, transitioned to one of friendship.

We went our separate ways seeking professional enrichment, but stayed in touch, meeting faithfully at Christmas time for a lunch together - to catch up on life, family and work. During this stretch, I was also associated with Media Portfolio and we worked together with the Design Review Board in the City of Alhambra which provided further continuity to our association.

He was an architect, an artist and a designer, consummate in each discipline.

But, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our friendship was how through my introduction he enriched the life of my son Yuri. Yuri has shared with me his admiration of him and the value he brought to Nudj, which was the last stop in Rick’s journey with us. Of course, this did not come as a surprise to me, as I knew the man and the value he brought to any endeavor he undertook.

On a very personal note: Over the last few years, occasionally, I used to share with him my watercolor paintings, particularly ones that involved architectural contexts. I would always got an encouraging word from him…including one quite recently.

I will miss him, my friend Rick.

Sudhakar

Dear Rick,

I think about the first time we met quite a lot. There are a few reasons why.

The most obvious can be shared without context: I was meeting the father of the woman I loved for the very first time. That alone can be scary enough. I was on my flight to the east coast, nervous, then excited, then nervous again, hoping that when I met you I'd say only the right things and leave you nodding with certainty that I was right for your daughter.

Another reason is one that made our first exchange more complex: a global pandemic was beginning to shut down establishments, cancel flights, and lock us all indoors. Nobody knew what was happening around us. I remember the NBA shut down the day before I was flying out. A friend of mine was overly worried about me getting on a plane and insisting that I do not go. But hey, I was in love, so naturally I did not listen. When I had arrived at Aly's apartment, I walked briskly to the bathroom and waved hello to you both as I closed the door behind me. I had to shower off any potential germs from a virus we knew nearly nothing about. The three of us agreed that it would keep us safe. We then left to go grab food in a public space surrounded by people. That detail always makes me chuckle in retrospect.

The last reason I think about our first meeting as often as I do, a moment so vivid in memory, is because of how you made me feel. Over the course of our relationship, I've watched you interact with others in similar fashion. You had the ability to make anyone feel welcome, to be just as they are. My first meeting with you was disarming. My shoulders felt relaxed, which is not my default. You never put walls up, like those of a father judging my every move. You simply wanted to be my friend.

We had lunch at Mathews in Jersey City. We sat near the window. The interior was bright. At one point, Aly had left to use the restroom. I remember feeling safe with you. I recall the light in your eyes. We talked while she was gone. I couldn't tell you what we spoke about, but I know the conversation felt effortless. You were undeniably cool. I was me, you were you. I felt like I was supposed to be there. I was welcome.

All moments with you have been anchored by this first meeting. I looked up to you as a father figure, but you treated me like a long-time friend. Our conversations wandered with curiosity into all aspects of life. They didn't just scratch along the surface. We had so many wonderful opportunities to dig deeper. We were vulnerable with one another. You showed me what it truly means to be a good man. On top of all that, you welcomed me without hesitation to your family's table. You have no idea how impactful that was on me.

My last email to you, me sharing my admiration of your strength and greatness, was just before your surgery. I know you read it. Aly told me that it made you happy. I know you wanted to reply. If you did, I know your reply would have been filled with wisdom and comforting words. You had a knack for making me feel seen. Of all your talents, your love and care for the people that crossed your path will always be my favorite.

I have so many things I want to continue discussing with you, Rick. I want more time together. As I navigate what's present, I want to look to you for guidance. I want to give you a hug, feel the warmth from our embrace, and say I'll see you soon. I want to smile and see you smile back. I want to tell you that I love you.

This devastation and pain will pass. I'll forever have my wonderful memories of you. I'll remember the ways you had lifted me up, making me a stronger and better human being. You leave behind a magnificent legacy and a beautiful everlasting impression. I was seen by you, Rick, and it made me feel alive.

Rest in peace.

Ryan

Hello Abes,

I am so grateful for having spent a good portion of my childhood playing with Rick. In addition to always being kind and sweet, he was an inventive and a natural performer, mugging for the camera, supplying a witty comment, endlessly creative in an organic way. He was a born leader in a very subtle and inclusive way. Reflecting back, I think he was the mastermind behind so many of our excursions into pretend, but in a way that invited the rest of us to fully contribute to the whole. He didn’t take over the room, but made us all want to be in it with him. I remember our time together as full of antics, crazy low risk subversion when the grownups were absent, making up songs and comedy routines. I imagine you’ve heard of our “Curve Muffin” show, loosely modeled on the popular “Merv Griffen” TV show. As Curve, Rick would question the television panel, and we would respond to his deeply silly questions.

He taught us rudimentary Japanese greetings, made us crack up with his “beard talk,” “Jehovah witness” song, and marshmallow treats. These things don’t translate well to print but if I ever get an opportunity to sing to you and put these in context, I’d be sure to do so with little encouragement needed.

Rick was also a superb artist, drawing the Charlie Brown characters with an accuracy that had us awestruck.

One late summer afternoon, bored with the usual summer activities, the girls—Anne, Diana, and I —combined the contents of our closets to create a fashion show on Agosta’s deck in which we got to wear each others’ clothes. Rick served as emcee, Chuck and his dad took photos of the event.

How lucky we were to have such a magical, memorable, childhood together. I treasure my memories of Rick. What a beautiful person. I am glad I got to see him in the past few years and correspond with him over the last year and read How’s Rick, which was special in so many ways. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Love to you all.

Kathleen

I know I haven’t known you for very long, and I haven’t even had very many conversations with you. But every time we talked, your kindness and joy always made my day. I always felt a sense of assuredness and security around you. You are gentle yet strong, and your presence was such a pillar in our community. Literally, you were the coolest person I’ve ever known. I wish we had more time so I could talk to you more and soak in more of your calm certainty and coolness. I’m sure everyone in your life wishes they could spend a lifetime more with you. Thank you for coming up to me that one Sunday to give me a big hug. I don’t think either one of us said much, but as always your presence said it all. We miss you.

Dearest Rick and his loved ones,

It seems unreal that I am writing this letter to you – Rick’s greatest treasures – and that Rick is not on the other end of this email to open it and read it. Condolences will not dull the pain you feel but know that his loss is felt by a great many and I count myself lucky to be one of the people that are grieving him. I would rather he be here, to give that genuine smile that lit up the space around him, but I feel lucky to have known him for the past 5 years and I am better for having known and loved him. It’s odd to say you love someone you work with, but your husband, your father, your grandfather, your friend was more than a co-worker – his subtle kind and quiet presence wormed into every heart he crossed paths with.

One of the first times I met Rick in person – I had been with the company several months (maybe 6 months) and we all flew out to Pasadena for an in-person meeting. I was so nervous. He was recording our “Why” videos and I was nervous being on camera. During the recording, I cried. I remember feeling embarrassed, struggling to reign in my emotions as I wanted to be professional and anxiety was rising inside of me that my vulnerability would change the way people saw me – maybe they would think I didn’t have what it took to be successful in my new role. I remember tearfully looking at him, mustering every fiber of my being to “get it together” and Rick knew – just as he always did – how to center me and direct the interview. He didn’t focus on the emotions – he remained calm, he smiled gently, and said “good, this is great and exactly what we want, let’s try again and can you focus more on….”. Now I forget what he redirected me to, but the kindness and space he held in that moment will never be forgotten. Following that vulnerable moment, he never changed how he interacted with me and he often guided me as I grew into new roles, took on more responsibilities, and tried to find my footing. He always did it in the same kind, subtle, and supportive way. Rick had a knack for guiding us – me and the team – without us even realizing he was guiding us. That’s a skill. That’s Rick. But it’s also innately who he was – he wasn’t trying to guide us, he was just being himself.

Over the years, Rick always surprised me by leaking out tid bits about his life – his loves (all of you), his passions (gymnastics, ballroom dancing, architecture, video, creating beauty in the world), he shared his pride (in the subtle way he does) about each of you and who you were in life (I recall the thoughtful poster in his office that his daughter spent time finding, or his stories about the beautiful women in his lives - free spirits and logical thinkers), the travels, the careers he had, and his dreams for his life that he had fulfilled. Come to think of it, Rick shared a lot about his dreams and as I look back now, I don’t recall dreams he hadn’t achieved – I think in his life he was so content with what he’d done, built, loved and fostered – his dreams were his reality. That’s something so special.

Some of my favorite moments with Rick where when we were teasing or laughing together – a smile and laugh from Rick somehow felt like a prize earned, it made every day better. Our on camera relationship evolved – I stopped crying and he started being more direct about how I could improve (speaking louder, slowing my pace, changing my seating position) and there were many hours spent together with his steadiness guiding us through recordings, often with Erin in some very uncomfortable position below the camera stopping and starting the teleprompter, and Justin standing by with audio. Those times were among my favorite, because Rick tried to always be so kind and gentle, and I would tease with him “just tell me it was awful, Rick” and he’d smile but not counter me – I’d crack up. We would banter like that for hours at a time during recordings – I still laugh at those memories and about the time he was trying to find the right words to describe someone that wouldn’t be the “best fit” for being on camera and he finally said “they aren’t camera friendly” – I lost it, Erin and I laughed for what felt like 5 minutes before responding “so they are not good to look at, huh?”. Rick smiled and didn’t counter me. I loved those moments. Rick’s humor and goodness and his gentle presence will forever remain in my heart, and I am better because I knew him.

There are so many memories of Rick that are filled with joy – bowling together and him CRUSHING it (even better when he was beating Yuri), him ballroom dancing with Katie (our CMO), many many creative meetings about how to create things together, many games we played and lost together…. It’s far too many memories to distill into words, but his touch will be forever on our lives and in my heart.

A thank you seems wrong for this time, but it’s the only things I keep coming back to. A thank you to Rick for being who he was in life, in leadership, in humanity. A thank you to all of you for sharing him with us – I know he didn’t need to work – but sharing him with us all at Nudj helped us be who we are as a company – founded in doing what’s right above all else. A thank you for his creativity which made everything more beautiful. A thank you for his friendship and mentorship as I am better and more than I was, because of him. A thank you for sharing his heart with us – I saw it most on the day he took me and a colleague of ours (Ashley) to tour the church he built. Hearing how he chose every part of the building – the intentionality, the creativity (shadows creating beauty and sound creating space), and the hard work and attention to detail… every moment of that day I felt like I was looking into his heart. The moment when he shared he built the church in hopes to someday marry his love there, and then sharing that he built that dream and that it was fulfilled – which began your beautiful family – I was astounded at how beautiful a sentiment and reality he had built. But that is Rick, he brings beauty and purpose to everything. He builds intentionally. I hope in this chapter you can find beauty amidst the grief and feel his steady intentionality all around you. Attached is one of my favorite pictures of Rick from that day at the Church.

And Rick – if you’re reading this from the beautiful sky above (I’m sure Hawaiian) – thank you. I will never forget you, we will never forget you. Thank for your love and friendship. I will see you in all the beauty every day.

Colleen

I am not going to bid you a goodbye.

It’s too painful.

I think the best we can do is to honor you.

Despite all the challenges during your journey you fought with bravery and you quietly and graciously tackled every step even at times in despair. You remarkably jumped every hurdle.

I was amazed by your dedication and determination.

Looking back I just want to say thank you for every moment shared. You left a genuine and eternal footprint on my heart. I feel blessed that I was able to know you and to have shared many good times with you.

We once reminisced about Snoopy and Schulz during your journey…As Snoopy once said..The most wonderful place to be in the world are in someone’s thoughts, someone’s prayers and in someone’s heart.

Thank you Rick for being a great inspiration to me and to so many friends. All of us will keep those beautiful thoughts tucked in our hearts. You will never be forgotten.

Spent the day at Brian’s house today for Easter and was looking through some old pictures.
Wanted to share one of my all-time favorites with you from 1979 at our old Monterey Park house on Abajo Drive.

Missing Ricky and his lovely smile, gentle touch and warmth that radiates to all those around him.

Dear Rick,

It is with much sadness that I just now found out about your passing when I checked in on your blog, and that this will be my very last email to you... I am so sorry that I didn’t check in more frequently, and wasn’t there to wish you well at the end. But I hope you are reading this now. I am heartbroken for your loved ones who you left behind. You fought a very courageous battle against great odds, and I felt for you and your family during this horrible ordeal that you all had to endure for the past year, that no one should EVER have to.

I hope you are at peace now; the nightmare is finally over, and you can finally rest…

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Rob

Rick,

So this email has sat in my drafts for a few weeks now and I'm not really sure why it's been so hard to hit send. Maybe it's because so many of my daily tasks make me think of you and I start to think of more things I want to say. Maybe it's because once I hit send it feels final and I just don't want it to be final. I'm not sure what it is exactly but here goes. I'm going to hit send....

Sorry for the rambling below but I have a lot of thoughts going through my mind right now of how much I miss you and love you and how grateful I am for you.

First off, thank you. Thank you for being you. Thanks for the time you took to be more than just my uncle. For the time you spent mentoring me and not just me, but those that I had surrounded myself with. Our whole team is truly appreciative of the time, love and wisdom you poured into all of us. And while the conversations were great and full of wisdom, I think I learned more by just watching you live, work and play. I love that we had the opportunity to travel together to many different places, to experience new cities and food and to work side by side. Spending that time together allowed me to see your work ethic but more importantly, how you balanced that with being present. For every email or call you responded to, you still made time to sit and enjoy a meal with me, and make me the focus of your attention. Your ability to put your family first while excelling at work is inspiring. It reminds me that work is never more important than my family but that it's not at odds with striving to be the best at what I do.

Another part of your character that inspired me was your prioritization of relationships. As I work with clients and my team, I think about how you always treated everyone. The way you extended grace to clients and valued them as friends even when we had just met them challenges me every day to do the same. I can't recall a time you criticized my work or decisions; instead, you offered positive feedback to help improve the project. You always viewed me as a collaborator and equal when you didn't have to. You had more expereince, you were the boss, but you never made the relationship feel that way and that confidence you had in me helped me realize what I was capable of. That's the type of leader I try to be.

You were a great travel partner. I'll never forget the great times we had. From Vegas to DC, LA to Indiana, Texas to NY, those are moments I will cherish forever. I am full of joy when I think about the meals we tried, the conversations we had, or shopping for my kids and just hanging out. Every trip I had a story to tell that made Kaela jealous because you always ensured our time together was the best it could possibly be.

Below is one of my favorite pictures. It was goofy but everytime I look at it it reminds me that you always offered your shoulders for me to lean on. You are a huge part of my success and who I've become.

Love,

Austin

Rick,

It's surreal to think that you are gone, and I am not sure that reality has fully set in for me yet. I think it will be awhile before the permanence of the loss of your presence on this side of heaven will really sink in.

One of my favorite memories is when you and Linda took the time to listen to me practice a presentation for a job interview. You gave me really great tips and delivered the pointers so kindly and gently. Even though I didn't get that job, I still remember how generous you were with your time and how helpful I found it to talk through the presentation with you. Linda said presentations were like your thing :)

Rereading the email you sent afterwards (below) was comforting. I loved my own dad but he was never really one for much words of affirmation. So it was refreshing to have such a kind and encouraging response to me not getting the Docusign job.

Thanks again for the blessing you were. Praying you are now fully enjoying all the blessings heaven has to offer.

Kayla

--------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rick Abe
Date: Thu, Dec 17, 2020, 11:10 PM
Subject: Re: Job update
To: Kayla J

Hi Kayla,

Thank you for letting us know. Every experience is valuable in some way. I know that even in the short time of preparation you became an even more valuable asset so it is definitely Docusign’s loss! Stay patient, in a few years it will be clear why your job sequence has gone just this way.

Your confidence in us probably helped us more than you. I know that I often feel disconnected from our friends up here in Seattle and it was a real joy for me to dialogue with you. Having that time with you was also so nice to do alongside Linda. I am very glad that the two of you have a good friendship.

Please keep up our contact with you now that we’re on a roll. And the Kati gift is SO above and beyond what you should have done; we cannot even say thanks enough. We will let it go this time ;) but it is our pleasure to treat you like we treat Lyanne or Aly.

You are definitely one of God’s beautiful things. Let us know when you want to practice again or just chat.

Love,

Rick and Linda

Rick,

Thank you for raising the bar for what an exceptional human being looks like. Not many people get to see you in action, but I’m one of the fortunate ones.

Everyone knows you have a gift with words and a powerful presence, but it really hit me when we were in that room full of lawyers for the NAPABA convention (National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) . The way you effortlessly led conversations and drew out the best in everyone there genuinely impressed me. I’m sure some of that comes from your days as a gymnast—your discipline, focus, and ability to perform under pressure really shined through.

For many of us, work is just a means to an end. For you, it has always felt like a mission. You showed us that it’s possible to juggle family and passion, and still show up fully for both. From Media Portfolio to Nudj Health, I was constantly struck by how you could walk into a room and, almost instantly, everything would quiet down so people could hear what you had to say. You were always calculated, insightful, and caring in your delivery.

As I write this letter flying on Alaska, I can’t help but picture you sitting up in first class, laptop open, focused as ever on your mission of giving more than you receive. I can even see you glancing back at me while I’m back here by the bathrooms, haha. I know I have a long way to go, and I will always be grateful for your mentorship and the example you’ve set of what’s possible with the time we’re given—especially as a fellow believer, father, and friend.

Love,

Marc