Journal Entry July 29th

MGBTTT - 2:54pm July 29th, 2006

Dear Anthony-

I carry a picture of you with me at work. I bet you didn't know that. I am a waiter in a restaurant while I study business, here in Florida.

I may never have a chance to be a father to you, Anthony, but you are never far from my thoughts. And on the days that I may lose track of my own mind, which I sometimes do... there is always someone there to remind me of my purpose in life.

I am looking forward to the day when you come looking for me. I know that day will someday come. And when we meet for the first time, I hope that you are able to see that you were and are loved. Even if I was not yet the man that I had always wanted to be.

Yesterday, I found myself at work. I swung open the kitchen door, went inside and found my general manager standing on the cook's line.

We greeted each other and I asked him, "How is everything today"? And he said, "Not good. The steamer is broken..." He then explained the problem and the effect that this problem would have on the rest of the night. I told him, in so many words, "Think Positive". I then walked away.

Then I remembered, I had been an aviation electrician in the Marine Corps. Could I have the technical "know-how" to fix this problem? I went over to the steamer, took a long look at it, figured out a plan of action, then I went over to my general manager and said. "Otto, do you mind if I take a look at the steamer?" He replied, "Sure! Go right ahead. The tools are in the office."

I went right to work. I started taking the machine apart when my coworker comes over and offers to help. I said, "Sure. Go right ahead. See if you can get these screws out", I reply, which he does. Afterwards, he leaves with the piece so that it can be cleaned.

I continue on with my work... stripping the wires; preparing them for reconnection when another of my coworkers comes over. I told him what I was doing. That I needed a piece to hold the wires in place after I connect them. He begins to look in the toolbox and finds a suitable solution. I move to the side letting him reconnect the wires.

During this time, my other coworker comes back with the piece that he just cleaned and it was shining! I praised him for his efforts. Then my other coworker finished reconnecting the wires. We plugged in the steamer and Presto!! The machine is working again.

We were rewarded for doing this, but the reward for me was the accomplishment! I could have done it alone, but I allowed others to enjoy the win. Nothing in life tastes sweeter.

Live and Work as a team Son! We are all connected to each other for a reason - whether through blood, community, or planet. Be and stay aware of this truth and you will achieve great things in your life.

With Love and Sincerity,

Your Dad.