Success

Twenty years ago my mother gave me the following poem written by Mr. Dicksons.
I had just became the installation manager of Entron Inc.. A low voltage systems contractor in Largo, Florida. I had worked there for three years. I started out as a lead technician and gradually climbed into management. I have many fond memories of my time at Entron Inc. The owner Mr. Shipway, his wife, office assistant Myrna, warehouse manager Spencer, CAD operator George and lead tech Johnny and others are still a part of my life and memories.
Entron was a 1.5 million dollar a year company with about 15 employees. My most cherished memories are of my mentor and close friend Mike Phillips, he was the branch manager and hired me originally. Mike passed about five years ago after Thanksgiving dinner with his extended family in Clearwater, Florida. It was his favorite holiday and he made an awesome stuffing from scratch. I can hardly write these words as my tears cloud my eyes with a tragedy that haunts me daily. Mike died of what is called a widow makers heart attack. It is an instant and total blockage of one or more major arteries involved with the heart and overall blood circulation. He had just had a physical a month earlier and was given a clean bill of health, which to this day I have questioned. Facts about the widow maker are simple…you have five minutes max to get help. Mike was watching TV on the sofa in the middle of the night (probably watching Star Trek). Every one was asleep and as the blockage progressed he was at a loss for his breath and couldn’t even scream out. His wife, Ann, found him on the floor when she awoke the next morning.
As I write this ”I Still Miss You” is playing on one of the local radio stations (99.1 WQIK FM). These are the “signs” of life’s greater meanings that I often write about. I miss you buddy and “I Wish You Were Here”. “Your Gonna Miss This” is on the radio now…unfortunately for Mike he never had the chance to see his 50’s. But I know he’s up there and is watching and mentoring me constantly. Love you buddy, I never told you but I know you know. Here’s to the success we had at Entron. From all your fellow Entronians... CHEERS !!!

Quoting Dicksons:
“If you think you are beaten you are:
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost:
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will,
It’s all in the state of mind.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man:
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.”

Love, Mom

B.A.S. 12/3/08 …:}….

In his Service Always
Psalm 42 Proverbs 24