Page 125 - Firehouse Pond

I would eventually become the manager for all training centers and by the

time I resigned, I traveled to thirty-six centers located all over the United
States.

My departure was predicated on the illness of my mother. Years earlier,
while serving in the U.S. Army, my stepfather passed away. By the time I

was notified and able to return to the states his burial was already underway.

I decided then and there, that when the time came, I would be able to drop
everything and return home when my mother needed me.

I was in a manager’s meeting with the owner when I received word that my
mother was ill and hospitalized. I resigned immediately and returned home

that day.

After a short hospital stay, mom could return home. I accepted an adjunct

professor position at the local college. That position led to me becoming the
Department Manager for the Business Studies Division. I became the
babysitter – I mean the manager for seven highly ego-minded teachers.

My mother became ill again and was diagnosed with lung cancer. Not a
surprise, given that she smoked heavily her entire life. Without going into
detail, my mother passed away from her illness. I no longer had reason or

cause to remain.