Ronald Jay Gillette

Dear Ron,

I am under extreme distress as I write this to you. I just found out yesterday that you passed away. My heart aches knowing that we won't have coffee together at the Steaming Cup in Waukesha ever again; sitting at the same table inside, and the outside table you're pictured at, during the warm spring and summer months. Moving to Waukesha only recently, you were my only friend. I will miss our deep intellectual conversations about a variety of subjects, your wit, empathy, support and optimistic attitude. Thank you for sharing your wonderful book that you published of short stories with me. I enjoyed hearing about the short stories that you were writing and listening to you read your new poems. Meeting you for coffee was the highlight of my week. I will miss the hug you gave me every time we said "hello" and "goodbye", along with your warm welcoming smile. Thank you for being my friend Ron.

Love,
Stacey