My Fun Trip to the Desert

The best news of the past year was finally getting a permanent job offer from Verizon Wireless. We were so relieved and excited. It wasn't just any job, but a very interesting one, with a great company, and good compensation. But, before I started the job, I took some time to fly out and see my parents and family. I got to receive a blessing from my father. I also got to have some fun... We went to El Gallito, our favorite mexican restaurant, in Cathedral City, owned bya friend of our family, The Cantu family. The food was awesome. You just can't get good Mexican food in new Jersey.
My brother, Greg, and his son, Aaron, took me to go shooting at a nearby gun range. Greg is a retired cop, a real gun buff, and has a nice gun collection.

Me shooting an M-1. I'm not a great shot.

Greg shooting his 44 caliber sig sauer (sp?)

These are some photos of Dad's animal hospital, which I had not seen for about 10 years? He still owns the hospital, but sold his practice, and now leases it to a large corporation. Dad was an excellent veterinarian, and an even better businessman, I think. He pioneered many things in the veterinary business in the valley. His practice was one of the highest grossing in California. We five Jackson boys spent many days and hours doing chores there. Dad taught us how to work, something for which I will always be grateful.

This is the boarding area of the facility. These are new cages, better than the ones they had when I worked there.

This is one of the new treatment areas. I often helped dad in surgery. I think he really wanted me to become a veterinarian, but he never pushed me. I thought about it seriously, but I was not passionate about it, like he was, and you have to be to be successful.

This is the front reception of the hospital. They took dad's old office and made two new exam rooms.

My dad in his old element. I am so proud of my dad and mom, for what they managed to accomplish. They started as humble farmers, took a risk to leave farming and went to vet school, built a very successful practice, remained faithful to the gospel, and in the process, raised five sons who adore them.

The old kennel run area. I spent many Saturdays there.

The hospital and boarding facility has been upgraded over the years and the lessee has taken good care of it.

One afternoon, I went with Mom and Dad to visit Kenny's grave. My brother, Kenny, died in 1991, after a year-long bout with HIV/AIDS. He was an indirect casualty of a heroin addiction. Kenny was a good young man, kind, soft-hearted, a hard worker. Most of all, he was loved. And, we miss him dearly.

I like the spot where Kenny is buried, and where my parents will some day be buried. I love the view of the San Jacinto mountans, the place of my youth. Very peaceful.

On a lighter note, I got to visit with my family, including my niece Amy, her husband Steve, and their kids.

Nephew Russell, his wife Jamie, and their son.

Steve, Greg, and me. I miss these guys.

My family, minus Ron, who lives in Texas.