Purpose

 Purpose

If you can find a why you can endure anyhow

I have things that I believe and a few things I know I believe I am responsible for my actions. And I know I bear the burdens of the decisions that I have made to date and the decisions that I continue to make.

            A couple of years back, I was hospitalized as I was diagnosed with COPD, Diabetes HBP, and an irregular heartbeat. I went to the VA clinic for an appointment and got sent to the ER. My lungs were full of fluid, and it was laborious to take a breath. Additionally, I weighed 375-380 Lbs. Honestly, I did not care if I lived or died. I was miserable at work and did not think I would make it to retirement, so I had, in essence, given up.  This event took place was over the week of Christmas. I was alone and had the unique blessing of clearing my mental plate to have a heart-to-heart with the almighty. After this time, I got my finances in order and lost about 50 lbs. I got approval for a gastric bypass which I  accomplished in 2018. I now weigh 220 Lbs, and I feel better than I have ever felt. I am longer a Diabetic, nor do I have COPD. The heart rate issue and the BP remains an issue, albeit a minor one.

            This hospital stay reminded me of the prayer that I made in 2005 while I was in the middle of solving a temporary problem with a more permanent solution, as it was one of the lowest times in my life.  In that prayer, I acknowledged my errors asked for forgiveness and made a request that I remembered during that hospital stay.  That request was, "Lord, if you see me through this, I will be a much better father, leader, and mentor than I was before.

            Several things had happened since that dark moment in 2006.  I met the woman that I eventually married in 2012. I reestablished an excellent relationship with my natural daughters. I gained ten grandchildren that know me as PAPI—having retired and moved to OHIO to mentor 3 of my grandsons that required male adult supervision.  I found my purpose. Additionally, I regained my faith that had diminished in the intervening years with the subsequent incidences of riotous living of which I was an active participant.

            I am finding Grandfatherhood is a rewarding experience; being a mentor who understands and takes a teacher's role to my grandsons is the fulfillment of my request made many years ago.  A side benefit is being a mentor to my new son-in-law as I am approached for advice almost daily.  My youngest Grandson accompanies me to church on Sundays and Bible studies on Wednesday nights. I do not have to coax him as he tells me when it's time to go to church. The young man also made me proud (and misty) when he came to the room boldly stating that God will heal Nana.  I will not push the older boys. I believe a good example and reaching my youngest Grandson will do the work without having pressure added to them by me. I expect them to be in attendance during significant milestones in his (my Grandson) growth in his faith when those milestones are recognized in the future.  It seems like a good reason to get my family to come to church with me.

             My purpose is to get those young men to adulthood in one piece, pass my knowledge on to them, and encourage their growth into manhood, helping them along the way with encouragement and mentorship.  Each one is different.  The eldest very reflective and is very happy being alone (which reminds me of me) with his ability to work alone without a lot of interaction with others. I know what life is like and will help him in any way that I can.  The middle Grandson is more tentative, and I try to let him become a little more assertive.  The youngest is pretty much an outgoing bundle of energy, and he will walk up to complete strangers and engage with them most times with hilarious results. I enjoy hanging out with him, especially when we are shopping for groceries. Each morning I get greeted by my youngest, as I get the same request "Papi, will you please fix some oatmeal."  One of the things that I have started doing in earnest in retirement is cooking, as I find it relaxing.  I have folders full of recipes that I have been acquiring that I have been dusting off. I think I have found the range of BBQ spare ribs in my pellet smoker. The last batch of 2 slabs was consumed quickly and efficiently by my family.  I have started baking as well with Peach cobbler, one of my favorites.  I have recently added enchiladas both in rolled and casserole form and red and green varieties.

            Not to say it has been all rainbows and roses. I had a painful employment decision to make. My decision to retire was due to, in part, based on three criteria 1. Fulfillment in my employment. 2 The physical challenges affect my spouse that required my intervention, and 3 is the financial aspect of retiring.  I found that in the combination of my retirement from the USAF, Department of Defense, Va disability, and Social Security, I can transition to focusing on my family, the most important thing in my life. My life has changed tremendously. I now take long walks two times a week in my small town surrounded by farms. It has helped a lot as my stress level has lowered tremendously, most notably due to not being called at 9 PM on the weekend for something mundane.  Now it is getting the Grandsons registered for the fall semester and looking forward to walking the youngest to school (weather permitting). The elementary school is located literally at the end of the walking trail 500 Meters from home.

            All of this reminds me of a Joe Walsh song, "life's been good to me so far." My biggest worry this week is, Where is the Lawn guy? The grass is getting kind of long these days. I better give him a call and see what's up.

            

Reprint from an article from the morning brew

 Prepare your liver for a marathon of farewell happy hours. A bunch of your coworkers are going to quit their jobs over the next few months—if you don’t leave before then. 

In what’s been dubbed the “Great Resignation,” 4 million people, or 2.7% of US workers, quit their jobs in April. That’s a record going back to 2000. In all, 41% of workers globally are considering leaving their current employer this year, according to a survey from Microsoft.

Why? Experts have floated several explanations to interpret all the quitting:

• Workers who didn't like their jobs but stuck with it during the pandemic are...not sticking with it anymore. 
• Many are retiring early after cashing in on a booming stock market and rising home values.
• People have reevaluated their career paths after an "unprecedented" year which allowed for more reflection.
• In that same vein, people might be looking for a job that allows for better work-life balance.

However, the main reason employees are quitting their jobs en masse, Harvard economics professor Jason Furman argues, is simpler: There are a record number of job openings in the US right now (9.3 million), and in any economy where lots of jobs are available, people leave their existing roles for greener pastures.

Big picture: Has the Great Resignation given workers the upper hand in power struggles with their bosses? Some say absolutely. There’s one story of a woman in Georgia who quit her job after being asked to go into the office for a six-minute meeting. Wages are rising quickly and companies are offering tremendous perks in their desperation to land employees. 

Others argue that when this all shakes out—when extra unemployment benefits end in September and the “reopening” reverts to simply “open”—the mad scramble to find employees will fade as workers settle into their new positions. 

For now, at least, all the leverage is with the employee. If they’re not pampered, they’re skedaddling. 

My Grandsons 1st memory verse

 

Grandson's memory verse.

                                                              Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such; there is no law."

 

This is the 1^st memory verse assigned to my 6-year-old in Sunday school. He will be quizzed on it sometime in August.  I have been in a writing freeze as of late, as life has, in part, has gotten in the way. This is the same mindset that keeps me from going back to the gym to look like the 220lb man that I am on the scale. Thanks to my pastor, I am dipping my foot into the writing pool again. 

The Fruit of the Spirit as defined by me: "It is the outward visible or apparent manifestation of the presence of the holy spirit in one's life at any particular moment." We will explore each one of these in turn.

Love. There are seven types of love described in the Greek language,  

1.      Eros: romantic, passionate physical love.

2.      Philia: authentic friendship, the city of brotherly love, is Philadelphia. I know what some of you are thinking, but this is not discussed today.

3.      Lundus: infatuation toying flirtatious love.

4.      Storage: unconditional familial love

5.      Philautia: self-love

6.      Pragma committed compassionate love.  Ever seen two elderly couples on a park bench obviously in love that have been together since Roosevelt was president.

7.      Agape: universal empathy, unconditional love.

1.      Universal love, Not physical love, not brotherly love but love for love's sake.

2.      Joy: Webster defines it as "a feeling or state of well-being and contentment." Satisfaction with the way things are, knowing with certainty that things will work out, and resting in that knowledge. Example: My Grandmother died decades ago. This woman my Grandmother. She taught me how to make peach cobbler and Cat Head biscuits, the woman who lived next door from my childhood, jumped the fence to have fried chicken when my mother made liver and onions. When I make peach cobbler these days, the feeling I have smelling the oven-fresh the deliciousness is the joy.

3.      Peace: a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations:

We are not speaking of the absence of war but a harmonious relationship with those persons and things around us.

4.      Longsuffering: is to endure injury trouble or provocation for an extended time with patience. This is tough, as we get trained to defend against offenses. There are times when the opportunity to fight back is warranted or desired but withholding that tendency is longsuffering.

5.      Gentleness is the quality of being gentle, not abrasive, with those around you.

6.      Goodness: is moral excellence virtue. The choice not to willingly not participate in negative situations surrounding us daily emphasizes the higher emotional quality response.

7.      Faith: the ability to see things that are not immediately evident and acting in such a way as the outcome has already happened.

8.      Meekness. The quality of being patient, quiet, not bombastic.

9.      Temperance: moderation or self-restraint in action control of oneself. (or) moderation in the indulgence in a natural appetite of passion.  I need to exhibit temperance in the realm of Oreo cookies.  One Oreo is fine. Two Oreos is also acceptable, but 27 is not.

Against the above: there is no law governing any of the above attributes. However, those who participate in the reverse have laws on the books that cover almost all those habits that are contrary to what is listed above. This present society teaches or, more importantly, makes merchandise of the opposite. Justice and mercy are not in the Molotov cocktail but lies with people that are not moved by negative emotions.

Changing the definition of what is good and fair for their own purposes. The media teaches the opposites of the Fruit of the Spirit as the ideal. They teach that discussion and discourse are not for the intelligent, but the week, as the strong take what they desire from the weak. We are taught that aggression is the ideal. With control of all thought and action for their goals are the fairest of the fair.  

        When confronted by a driver that drives aggressively, someone walking in the Spirit in that exact moment can and will exude longsuffering with the other person in that situation and will exude a gentle spirit.  This is not to say that the person found offense in the act, but conversely, it is not guaranteed that the victim of the aggressive driver cannot act aggressively in return; the person walking in the spirit has made a conscious choice not to.  Walking in the Spirit will avoid the situation and make every effort to avoid negative consequences for as long as possible, thus giving the other person time to disengage. The interaction between the two drivers is over. The one driver can go on to the next person, whereupon he can perform this aggressive driver trickery upon, and the other driver can move on from that incident. However, if the aggrieved driver insists on pressing the issue, the consequences can have an effect that can last for years or even a lifetime.  It is not wrong to have love, joy, and peace. 

It is admirable to exhibit longsuffering, gentleness, and faith, and it is desirable to show meekness and intelligence to walk with temperance. The side benefit of all those actions is there will be no need for legal counsel or a judge after an encounter with law enforcement by exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit. That is a very desirable outcome and will save many heartaches and possibly money in the long run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Prayer

 

My prayer

Preface: I awoke from a dream.  In this dream, I discussed with one of my friends (that I have not seen for a long time) about some things lying heavily on my mind.   I learned this week that the concept of murder and war are not original to man. It is a product of our serpent brain, a descendant of man's origin and in all of us. I learned that the time is perfect for those with no business near a microphone to get one readily available.  I learned that opinions are now thrown out as facts and feelings have replaced truth. I got the inspiration for a prayer to throw my feeble voice into the cacophony of words floating to eventually reaching to the stars in the hope someone will read and understand…

Dear Father, I am angry, I am sad, I am hurt, and I am disappointed.  First, in myself, I have the revelation of your love, experienced your grace, and witnessed your miracles in my personal life. I, however, have fallen short of the station to which I have been called.  For that, I ask your guidance and forgiveness.  I ask now that you give me the courage to use the talent for words that I have been just toying with for years to communicate your love and wisdom, starting in my home and spreading outward to all who can and will hear.  Please give me the patience to wait while sharpening the skills you are developing until that time an opportunity presents itself. I know you are well versed in developing tolerance in your people.  I know Abraham was around 70 when you called from his family to establish a new nation. I also know that Isaac was born when he was 100 years old.  I am encouraged that a provision was granted for the indiscretion that produced Ismael, which gives me hope that I can recover from my mistakes and know that there will be a price to pay.

I know that joseph waited and worked for 20 years for the deceitful Laban before getting his wife Rachel then having his 12 sons, which became the tribes of Israel. I can but barely comprehend the agony of believing Joseph was dead for years.  I know that joseph worked for Potiphar or was in jail seventeen to twenty years after refusing an offer to have an affair with Potiphar's wife. To then be raised to the second in command in Egypt and then reunited with his family. I also know that Moses was 40 years old when he killed the Egyptian and was banished to wander in the desert for another 40 years and then to return to lead your people to the promised land for another 40 years to then not be able to enter.  

With that knowledge, I ask for patience in this present age. I am buffeted about by people entities and powers that seek my cooperation with their folly. Those that ask you for things that are not in your nature to give. It baffles me to know that people ask you for the ability to hate another group when hate is not your nature nor a byproduct of your presence.  I ask for the ability to endure these slights, lies, manipulations, and deceits of those with power gained by money fame election or the ability to manipulate children's toys for money.  You have said that the "The love of money is the root of all evil" well, its fruit is hatred, lust, and fear being sold by the bushel.   Give me the ability and the wisdom and courage to stand against this tide of evil in this day even though it may cost me relationships with some that have not come to the full realization of who you are as GOD. I ask to be a better steward of those things given to me to manage and a teachable spirit, for I know that each day is a gift from you and another opportunity to be better than I was the day before.  Grant me more control of my external emotions to better communicate my intents and thoughts.

Finally, I ask for the same thing that has been asked of you throughout time by the wisest amongst us. I ask for the wisdom to lead my family and my people, say the right thing at the right time, and discern not to speak when appropriate.  To help me accomplish the goals and dreams, I have with the mission to educate my grandchildren on life and pass the knowledge of you to them as they are my mission in life.  

 

 

I ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ

 

Why I retired

 

"Why I retired."

 

I have struggled with how to start this essay. It is probably one of the important decisions I have made in my life. It was not an easy one, as I am built to serve. As you know, I am a retired USAF NCO after an interesting career but fell short of my expectations (that was 100% on me). I was changing careers to become an IT person by going to college and getting several certifications. Working D.O.D 1^st as a Help Desk guy then a System Administrator for 19 years. So, I will start like this." Whut happened wuz." 

After retiring from Civil service, I took that retirement in addition to my military retirement and a couple of other streams of income. I moved to Columbus, OHIO, for family reasons. I was heading to Mesa, AZ but received further orders from the COO. (Aka, The wife.) took a position at a local Hospital (mental), a couple of things immediately stood out even before setting foot outside of New Mexico.  My initial interview went well. However, there was a couple of things that (in retrospect) I should have given much more attention to.  It was a feeling more than anything else.

Something was off.  It was the 2^nd interview with the CIO that reinforced the idea that something was wrong. The CIO seemed stressed and seemed borderline irritated.  He told me what areas he needed help, and I thought those were interesting and was more than willing to help. He talked about a broken work order system (more on that later) and hinted at problems with the userbase and management at that location.  But I felt that I could overcome those things and put my best foot forward as I was more than willing to help.  Upon arrival, I was given what I now think of as the "Palm Sunday." treatment. Things like "We have waited for you for a long time," and we have heard you were coming for months." I felt like the guy riding into Jerusalem 2000 years ago to accolades only to get put on a plank a week later.  After a period of little or no training. (on local procedures and systems) I started finding stuff out.  The 1^st being I was like the 6^th or 7^th person in this position since 2016. People getting fired or just quitting several times in the previous 5-year period.  The hospital was part of a more extensive system combining several hospitals in several geographical locations in the eastern US. I am purposely vague here as (I am not the Bus driver).

 Those hospitals have administrators doing the day-to-day IT business assisting other areas when it got hectic using remote control tools, zoom meetings, and a good ole phone call to get things done or consult with each other. 50% of my training took place in this way.  I had a two-week visit from the CIO to go over how things ran from his perspective, and I was off. That was another 15%, leaving the rest to dig through the internet and read for me. (side note) I just bought a home and started planning the wiring and setup of a home network setup. (more of that in another essay), managed switches, personal email server, and VPN (home-wide), but I digress. The 1^st thing that I was warned about came to light—a broken work order system.

People would knock on my door, hijack me in the hallway, and otherwise leave me voicemails about problems and having little or no action on them would go up the chain to complain.  1^st of all, there were two systems for work orders. The 1^st was an internal one.  I had zero visibility on that system as a centralized help desk system (outsourced) was introduced to meet the demand. I found myself giving briefings to the new hires about said system weekly; however, I believe (but can't prove) that information was not reinforced at the local user level because everyone tried to bypass the work order system.

Simultaneously, the same person who is using their special position (the guy who hired me) told me that he checks the work order system to evaluate my performance. While simultaneously dropping the "I need this done by the end of the day" card. It was apparent that I check the work order system several times a day and learn that I must answer urgent work orders within 24 hours. I was a little confused.  More on this later.

Printers, there was no centralized printer management application, so I made one. I created a spreadsheet with the internet links to all the printers. I will have a ready reference to all printers' page counts and toner status in all the sections. After being called out (from home), I changed a toner cartridge on a weekend evening. There was no in-stock inventory of toners for the printers and replacement unit placed strategically on location.  So, I developed one.  I had toners on site. In a particular section and used the military concept that one is none and two is one.  If you have only one toner, you don't have any, as that one in the printer does not count.  When I saw a printer was below 20% toner, I ordered two—giving one to the section and adding one to the inventory.  This brings up another issue. After all that and several warnings (via email) to the local supervisor for about four days. That stated the location of the replacement toner cartridge.  I was told to change that toner cartridge. Upon arrival, I not only found the toner cartridge readily available. But there was a local supervisor with their back turned to have a lively discussion on something.  That gave me a couple of troubling thoughts the supervisor was unaware of or uncaring the problem.

Most importantly, my immediate supervisor did not have my back. A simple "Manny has a toner cartridge set aside for you; please install that one and tell him so he can order more.  I was angry I felt like, "this looks like a setup for making me the bad guy." There was that Palm Sunday feeling again. That started with Hosanna to the king, then Crucify him a week later.    I do not have the sins of the world on my plate. I have a Wife, Daughter, Son in law and three young men under my charge, and I report directly to my Father-in-law in Mesa, AZ.  As to their welfare, additionally, I have an oath betwixt my Pop and I, but not one to my job.   

The next to last straw was a lack of strategic planning. I was told that a section was to move from the 1^st floor to another floor in the hospital. The unit was moved but was unable to fax or print.  The correct thing would be to say, "Manny, we are planning a move. Could you look at what is needed to accomplish that, and when the action was complete, it would work immediately, and not spending the two or three weeks planning the move, it was a month fixing the problem.  This will get a little technical, and I had to refresh my memory on networking when it comes to V-lans and analog phone lines. I knew in the back of my mind that the network switch was on a different V-lan, and its new IP address is issued. When I saw the switch's IP address and the device's IP, I slapped my forehead for missing it.  So, I had to send an email to the office that controlled the switch to make the changes, but I had an idea. I changed the IP to dynamic, had the machine get a new IP, then changed it back to static, and updated the database, thinking something would work and knowing something will work are different things.  One problem fixed. Now the fax. I have worked on 66 blocks (in college, in a lab.), so I had to open a book and refresh my memory. Please note: I was imaging new computers, replacing digital phones, setting up voice mail and email accounts for new users, and the occasional broken phone for patient use (after having them forcibly removed from the wall). I eventually toned the line from the 1^st floor to the floor that had the device, so it was now able to fax and print over the network

 The last straw was my reprimand. Then the subsequent Performance Improvement Process. Remember the verbal requests.  Here it goes. I was presented with several phones for members of the staff. I never got their names and was reprimanded for not getting the phones issued. A work order with that information would know, and I would be off. But I was evaluated for the work orders completed, but for things  I was not trained or briefed to do, creating a process to accomplish that task but having no notice taken of it. I was being evaluated on a broken system of communication by one of the people that broke it.

After closing the deal on the new home, I realized that I did not need the income from that job to close on my new home, which I did last Wednesday.  I was working because I loved what I do, love serving people, and love the tech. I get plenty of Love at home, so I do not need to get it outside my own family.  I still have a profile on indeed.com; however, the need to get another job is fading fast as my last stream of income SS will be kicking in in about three weeks.  I am retired. I do not need the aggravation of others who are given the oversight of what I do who do not know how to do what I do. Finally, I can't be the scapegoat for someone else's broken process. I did not break it, and I won't be the one to fix it as it was broken before I arrived.

 

So that, my friends, is why I retired.

its been a while

 It's Been A While 

     I was inspired by a question posed to me by my eldest Grandson that brought me to tears.

He was watching me prepare oatmeal and asked, "Papi, will you cook oatmeal for us too?" I said, "do I look like the other guy, you know the guy that bought ice cream for himself and left you to fend for yourselves?" When have I prepared anything in any kitchen anywhere where it did not include you, boys? It is Saturday morning. If I am cooking anything, it's for all of us. Then it hit me. I have been misty ever since. Many scriptures tell how us to petition God for our needs and desire. However, I drew a blank when writing this thesis. It is necessary to find them again and not rely on my memories of sermons and studies past. That study will continue while I add a few of them for your consideration.

1. Luke 11, 11-13 11 "Now 11 suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your 1heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" It is the father's pleasure to give to his sons, or in this case, Grandsons, things that will help, nourish, and otherwise help the children/grandchildren. In fact, it is what the father longs to do.  
2. 1st John 14/15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. My Grandson knew it was totally within my power to grant him the wishes he desired, and he did not hesitate to ask. How often have we as God's children known what power is available to us and do not ask because of the many fears that we carry inwardly and knowing we want it easy and are afraid of putting in the work that it requires to accomplish to give us the things we want? 
3. Jeremiah 29 11:13 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I am deeply aware of why I have moved to Columbus, OH. it is for them, my grandsons; they are my mission as in the scripture, I know the plans that I have for them. My job is to prepare them for the challenges ahead, not knowing or caring for the outcome based on the fact that my effort performed in faith is a duty that I was presented and for which I have sold all to accomplish. I have left friends (a few nasty situations), but 90% of the things I left were not harmful. The mission that had called me and indirectly answered a prayer that I made in 2005 before the 3 major players in this drama was born. 

 

The reason for my misty eyes was the realization in the spirit that I am, in a way, my Grandson asking the question daily to God. I am the young man approaching the father asking, is this the right thing? Do you know what it's going to take to accomplish this task? You know I'm 65 years old and too old for a career change and to move to make all of this happen when the world is so upside down? What happened to Tucson, Phoenix, or Mesa, AZ? Nevertheless, I trust this is what I should be doing, and with the people, I will meet along the way. I do know the following things are right.

 

1. The 1st interview was the place that wanted me, and they waited 3 months to get me there. (the reasons are interesting) I am, however, happy to be there.
2. The area is diverse and exciting, and I can't wait to get a rod in the water after settling.
3. I have finally found that good night's sleep that I have wanted for over 3 years since I planned my other office escape.

It's good to be writing again about my spirit's awakening in that question from my Grandson raised the wick from its idle position to its fully lit place. It's great to be back in front of my keyboard again.

     Finally, I found a congregation that just embraced me and just accepted me without question. I'm just glad I am in a place where I feel welcome and loved.  I don't know much about the congregation except that they are diverse and spirit-filled, and I feel comfortable being there. I am sure I'm a mystery to them as well, but I'm comfortable with that at this point in my healing, as I have never sought the limelight or to be the center of attention that just isn't me. I'm just Manny the guy in the second or third row 

 

 

A good man

A GOOD MAN

I am here to discuss the life of a man that reinvented himself again and again. I first met him in middle school. He was afraid of everything he had a strong aversion to conflict of any kind, that bit him for most of his life. His mother scolded him and told him under no circumstances to fight with anyone. However, he looked up to his father that encouraged him to stand up for himself. I remember the day that it all changed.  His father, Eugene, was at home recovering from an injury he received from work. His dad observed him in a dead run, being pursued by three neighborhood kids. Turning into the driveway and to the porch, Manny saw his father and was stopped by him. His dad stood and said, “Son, if you keep running now, you will run for the rest of your life. Manny told his dad, “mom said if I get into fights, I would be in trouble.” His father said, “Son, if you are not in trouble with me, then you are not in trouble.”   Manny turned and faced the three boys.  After a scuffle that took about 5 minutes, two of the boys were down, and his father pulled manny off the last boy. That was the last time that Manny had any trouble in his neighborhood.  As a young man, his father took extra shifts and paid his dormitory fees as he was the first of his children to go to university.

            Manny had trouble with womenfolk. That would haunt him for decades until he realized who he was in the universe and was satisfied with himself. The moment that he discovered that he did not need a relationship to complete him. He found that special woman that changed his life for the better. Now it took five marriages to figure it out, but he did find out.  Manny reinvented himself after his first relationship ended and left the country serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a Generator Mechanic.

Manny reinvented himself after retirement by becoming a Computer Technician, going back to college. Finally, finishing at age 51, he started a new career as a Computer Technician at the New Mexico School for the Blind and the Visually impaired.  He took to computer work like a duck to water.  His commitment to being of service to his users and his deskside manner was instrumental in making the users comfortable with the constant changes in technology.  He then became a Help Desk technician working for The United States Air Force and brought his calm demeanor to his new job, making friends that he maintained until his passing.  The then went to work for the US ARMY at William Beaumont Army Medical Center as a systems administrator. That work though unusual, was not what he was cut out for as his concern for the user base took a back seat to the demands of the multiple systems for which he was responsible. At his best would take care of his users and their requirements, balancing that with the high tempo of Medical IT. After 18 years as a civil servant.  He answered the call of his family for leadership. Three of his grandchildren and their mother were alone in and needed some additional help as the young men were growing up without adult male supervision in a new city, Columbus OH.  Manny took this opportunity to return to his first love user support as he retired from civil service, taking a job as a Desktop Technician at the Sun Behavioral Health Facility in Columbus, OH.  He made an immediate impression with his experience in networking, system administration, and user support.  He was poised to do great things when illness took him from us. He will be remembered as one of the good guys quick with a word of encouragement. He leaves behind a wife ten grandchildren and a multitude of people that were touched by his presence.    As a person of faith (though flawed), he recognized his need for power outside of himself. As a person that tried to do his best,  immediately make amends when en he was in error I believe he has heard these words. “well, done my good and faithful servant welcome into the .joy of the lord…. Well done, Manny Well done, you and your spirit will not quickly be forgotten.