Written May 2016:

As I sit here and ponder my adventure set for tomorrow, skydiving. Thanks Lilly Garcia Cisneros for prompting me into this. Nathan and a friend of mine are joining me in solidarity. Meg Jankowski Reyes won’t, she said one of us parents needs to be on solid ground … LOL. Anyway, I am sitting here reflecting on my regrets, wishes and desires I come t realize I have never had a bucket list. I have wishes and desires but nothing to say I have to do XYZ before I leave this earth. You may be doubtful, but let me explain…

I was born in Mexico but have grown up in the greatest nation on Earth, the U.S. I met my soulmate in High School. I attempted pre-med and burned out magnificently leading to my proudest moment, enlisting in the Air Force. I was able to practice a very limited form of medicine in the Air Force as an Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT) and worked with some of the most talented and dedicated medical staff in the world. This also gave me an opportunity to be a Servant, Servant Leader, Mentor and Friend.

I have traveled a good portion of this earth: U.K., Scotland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Rwanda, Uganda, Bahrain, Dhahran, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, Italy, Austria, Greece, Amsterdam, Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar. Most of these with my wife, some where deployments.

In Bulgaria I was treated as a medical officer and was “forced” to drink during a mid day meal prepared by the Bulgarian Flight Docs mother, I couldn’t refuse. In Hungary I got drunk with an ex Soviet Officer, Pitsy Palinka(sp)! Had the best ever Sangria in Portugal. Treated like family by our Greek landlords and neighbors. Humbled by the strife in Africa but blessed by some of the most genuine and caring people I met there. I haven’t just traveled to these destinations I have lived and worked there.

I have been blessed to be married to my best friend for 27 years (30 yrs together), have an amazing son and was blessed with three beautiful children delivered to us through divine intervention, that’s just the way I see it. I was blessed to have had quite the character as my father in law and I won the preverbial lottery of mother in laws, love and miss you Tina Tyler.

So you see I have no need for a bucket list, its been a charmed life. I wish you the same, God Bless…

Video of my skydiving experience:
https://youtu.be/bfyQw-MkP1Q