Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” For those of you who know me, you might say I’m still trying to figure that out. I come from humble means and always wanted to make my mom and dad proud.
Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley didn’t give us many choices. I went to work at an early age and learned how to do all kinds of jobs in the fields. But the one thing I learned early on was I wanted to be just like dad. He walked with a limp from catching his leg in the Power-Take-Off of a tractor. My brothers and I hated that tool because it grabbed my dad’s left leg and chewed up his left foot. But that didn’t stop him one bit. He was stronger than anyone we had ever seen.
We begged him to let us attach the tractor to whatever commodity he was harvesting or disking. We all felt we were old enough to do anything on the farm. But he never would let us do anything that was too dangerous. I wanted to learn how to do everything. I remember he spent a lot of time teaching me how to turn the Caterpillar and disc. I’m not sure about now, but at that time the disc would only turn in one direction. I spent the whole summer driving a tractor that was used to pick up the potatoes after the potato digger had dug them.
At the end of that summer, I was taking a bath and overheard mom and dad talking. (I don’t think they knew I could hear them.) I heard dad tell mom how proud he was that I was riding the digger. This is a very dirty job and most field workers hated the job. In any case, I was making pretty good money so the dust and dirt didn’t bother me. But I could honestly tell myself that I didn’t want to make a career out of the fields.
Soon after, my two older brothers had come home decked out in their Marine uniforms, and I could see a new direction in my future. I was so jealous of what they had. We spent a lot of time talking about where I wanted to go. I decided at 17 that I wanted to get married. Not one of my best ideas. I had been going out with this young lady from Shafter and thought I was in love. (Shafter is the high school that was and is even now, the rivals of Wasco High School.) I was pretty sure I wanted to get married, yet I didn’t have the job skills that allowed me to become a husband at that time. It wasn’t until I figured out that getting married at 17 probably wasn’t the right choice. So that’s when I decided to join the army.
I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a soldier, but not just any old soldier. I wanted to be the best that I could be, and I worked very hard to accomplish that. Lot’s of schooling, training and so many people who encouraged me along the way. I spent 10 years of my life there and realized I wanted something else. But what? The next opportunity was law enforcement, but that too wavered after a little while. Then my father-in-law at the time offered me a business, which gave me many ups and downs. Although I made lots of friends and learned many lessons, I was still restless.
My saving grace was Lorraine. She taught me that I could find someone who loved me for who I am. She has always been supportive as I tend to bore easily. She says when I make up my mind I can do anything, which led me to my photography, writing and harmonica, just to name a few.
My last career was in produce, which is where I began. I’m proud that I raised my family in Gonzales. I have been fortunate to meet so many great folks along the way and serve my community. I can’t even count how many folks have helped me get my truck on the road. Growing up in Wasco, I remember the day my dad drove his 1956 Ford pickup into the yard. I fell in love with the big back window and V8 engine. Driving a 1956 Ford Pickup just like the one my dad brought home that day is pretty cool. Maybe I should try mechanics?
I always find it funny how I told myself that I wanted to get away from Wasco and live in a big city. I have been fortunate to see many places around the world, and live in many different places. But I fooled myself. I’m still a small-town kid and I love living in a small town. If anyone in my family needs anything, I know that I have a great group who will help. I hope that people know that if they need me, I will be there too. The detours have been many, but there are no regrets.
I hope that you will find what makes you happy. So have you figured it out yet? Or are you still looking? As for me, I think rock ’n’ roll artist sounds pretty good.
God Bless.
