The influence of these individuals left a lasting, positive influence in the life of a confused young man. Working at two jobs most of his adult life to keep the rent paid and food on the table and to provide clothing for his family, he and his wife worked together to create a viable home life. Professionally, he served as a firefighter and captain for twenty-seven years for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. About midway between his career, he was instrumental in creating a father–son family business, Spacemaker Plumbing Products. While retaining his job with the fire department, with the help of his son, he became a successful business owner, developer, inventor, entrepreneur, and CEO for twenty-one years. He worked tirelessly in developing money-making opportunities and growing the business. Knowing you cannot blame anyone for the outcome of your life, if you do the finger-pointing at others, you will never grow up into adulthood and receive the gratification and knowledge that you are your own person. Thanks to my grandmothers, maternal grandfather, aunts, and uncles for showing me the side of life that could be mine if I worked long and hard enough to achieve the rewards. I hope that some young person who is having a hard life will somehow read this book and come away with even one thought that helps him or her to avoid the mistakes I made in my life. Though the communities mentioned are where the stories occurred, some of the names of the people in the stories have been changed to hide embarrassing situations for individuals still living.
