My Life

Matt — Christmas 1988

Merry Christmas. John, This past year has offered some particularly difficult times for me. Your support, understanding, and positive outlook helped make the bad times seem not so bad. You've been what I hope I'd be if you ever needed to lean on me. '88 also provided a lot of good times. When I think of other friends, and the best moments we've shared, I always recall a certain place we were at or something extraordinary that we did. While I feel we've certainly had those moments, the times that are most important to me are those spent quite simply. Whether it was having a beer at a local bar, hanging around at your house, or sitting at my kitchen table either starting or ending an evening, I thoroughly enjoyed the give and take of the conversation we've shared. John, you've been there for the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. I guess that's all I could ask of someone I consider to be the best friend I've ever had. Matt

Michael Kramer — November 25, 2002

From: Kramer, Michael R. Sent: Monday, November 25, 2002 10:38 PM. Subject: RE: eCOMP input. You know the thing about this whole work thing that I've been talking to Doria and some friends about is that YOU PERSONALLY helped me reach down very, very deep and fix a problem that I've known about since I've been about 11 years old - seriously. And that is the ability to commit, focus, execute, be here now, get to the point, get it done now...of course those manifested themselves in different ways as a boy 34 years ago, but the same troubling aspects were there for all those years and I truly feel that I've gotten a firm grip on fixing all of them only in the past 12 months. I hope you take pride in knowing that your coaching worked on me. WE WILL LAUGH AT ALL OF THIS ONE OF THESE DAYS!

Colleen — Graduation, May 26, 1982

To My Special Friend. Thank you for changing my life and showing me how to grow up. Being with you these past two years has been terrific and an experience. If you're ever in need — Call me! "I believe in the love that you gave me" -and- "We'll keep pushin' till it's understood, and these badlands start treating us good." Congratulations!! John, May you always feel the warmth of sunshine and friendship, see the beautiful in nature and in people... May you always find love by carrying it with you, and know happiness by bringing it to others. With Warmest Wishes On Your Graduation. Love always, Colleen

Tatyana — December 13, 2002

From: Yatsunov, Tatyana. Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 5:02 PM. Subject: Thanks. John, thank you for the lunch! It was great! We all were happy to be "a part of a team" once again. I tell you, it is very important for me, and I think, for most people, to have a friendly, family-like environment. And I am not talking about beer :-) ... I am saying: honesty and respect. We haven't seen too much of it lately... I am sure that this period of instability will gradually flow into period of pay off. People who know and do more will win. And you will be one of them, no doubt. We will all find the places were we can be the best at what we do. The goal is not just to have a job. It is to be the best, to do great things, to make a difference! Thank you for being the best boss I ever worked for! You are a great coach!

Victoria — Birthday Card

Dear John, Happy Birthday to my favorite snuggler. Happy Birthday my honey. I love you and I wish you a year filled with happiness and lots of love. Yours, Victoria

Pop — A letter that changed everything

Although you are now experiencing one of life's traumatic time periods of work, home & relationship — you will pass thru — a new horizon lays before you — "another life". Similarly, your Pop has had several lives. The paths he has chosen were without thought & conscience. Let the dust settle. Do not be impulsive like your dad. However, if there is anything I have learned from my notorious behavior, is that we have many journeys afforded us. What you do with that next life's opportunity on the trail of life should be a building block of inner strength of character, integrity & honesty within. Stay true, do not stray & listen above all to your inner council. What I see & admire so much about you John are those qualities — you never let me down. If there is one single, most lofty parental wish, it is that we can always be proud of our children — you stand the tallest from all the rest. Whenever your future life's road yields will always be your staunchest supporter — we become the sum total of our life's experiences. Make yours the very best. Lots of luck, happiness, health & good fortune in your new home & life. P.S. You redeem my life's existence. I love you. Pop.

Carrie Fisher, Lucent — December 11, 2002

From: Fisher, Carrie K. Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 10:18 AM. Subject: heard from marge dady... John, I learned from Marge Dady yesterday that the Jim Direnzo team has been severely impacted by FMP. From what she told me, it sounds as though the coordinated lucent.com effort will be no longer... How in the world does Lucent expect to develop and enhance its "face" to the outside world without a team focused on just that? I marvel at how far you've taken this work...from back in those very early days when you and Glenn G. started it all with a little server under somebody's desk! I truly believe that job security today with Lucent is quite simply "luck of the draw." While we've never met, I feel as though I somehow know you. I remember when I saw a picture of you and your dad. For some reason, it struck me and stayed with me. Wishing you the best in your endeavors, John. Carrie Fisher

Sharon — August 26, 1980

August 26, 1980. John, Sure has been awhile since I last wrote you a little note and a card. I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful day. I had so, so, so much fun canoeing. I think yesterday was the most peaceful, beautiful day we ever spent together. But most of all, thank you for the hour we spent alone together, back at your house. I'm not really sure what happened, all I do know, is how great I felt, there was so much love in every time we kissed. You could be the warmest, most gentlest, most understanding and loving person there is. I wish everyday could be like August 25. I've thought about you all day, feeling very confused, but I feel good about us — you're really something! Love, Sharon

Cathy — October 9, 1984

October 9, 1984. Dear John, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you all day. Last night I felt the special way I did when we first started going out. I think I'm falling in love with you all over again. You're very special to me. I Love You. Always... Cathy

Laura Staunton — December 19, 2002

Dear John, Yes, I am alive. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. It's a combination of too much to do, not enough time and I didn't want to just dash you off a quick note because there were some things I wanted to say. First I want to say just how happy I am that we are back in each others lives. You are a truly great friend and an important part of my life. I know you're always there if I ever need you. I truly appreciate your friendship and care about you more than you could know. Please know that in return you can always count on me for support and unconditional acceptance. Next I want you to know how much I admire you. Your life, I know has not been easy. Yet you have faced all your challenges with as positive attitude as possible and with determination. You consider yourself a "work in progress" and that is an example to all of us lucky enough to call you our friend. I have learned so much from you by watching how you live your life. Finally, I want you to know that I am proud of you. Your situation at work has been extremely stressful and difficult. Yet, through it all you have put the welfare of your staff at the forefront of your concerns. For that alone I will always respect you.

Janis Ebeling — February 12, 2002

Hi John, Since we weren't able to catch up the other week I thought that I would just send a quick note. Actually, this is more of a sappy personal note. Now that you know that I'm not trying to schmooze the client for LDS gain....I wanted to tell you how happy I was to learn about your new position at Lucent. I just never seemed to get the right opportunity to offer my congratulations. I hesitate to say anything because I realize that I only worked with you for a limited time but it was great to hear that someone who worked so hard, and worked so smart, had received the appropriate recognition and position as a leader. I know that the people that work for you must be pleased as well. Anyway...I wish you all the best! Janis