A Life of Ups and Downs and Twist and Turns of a Hispanic Family

The family unit as we know it, is disintegrating before our eyes. Why is this an alarming problem? Because it is the family unit that shapes and molds us into the individuals that we are today.

In this book I try to share with you not only my triumphs and successes but, my hardships and failures as well.

Born into an Hispanic family, life has given me a unique perspective of the world around us. It has engulfed me with the good and bad of what our society has to offer. On the negative side, I have tried to dismiss the stereotyping that unavoidably is attached to my race. I have tried to overcome the prejudices that still linger today. On the positive side, I have learned to appreciate and respect the wonderful customs and traditions that my culture permeates.

As an adolescent, my parents instilled in me the value of growing up in the Catholic faith. As an athlete, my father taught me the value of hard work, grit, and determination. As a teacher, my brother Doug, taught me the value of shaping and molding the minds of our youth. As a coach, I learned the values of being a man of integrity-adhering always to a code of moral conduct. "Be a man of your word," my father would always tell me. "Be a role model and be willing to lead by example." As a senior citizen, I have learned to appreciate the life that God has blessed me with.

I ask you now, what defines you as an individual? How do you react to the ups and downs in your life? How will you navigate the twists and turns that life drops at your doorstep? Go forth and make a difference in the world!!!