When I Grow Up I Want to Be...

What child hasn't been asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When I was 14-years-old, I thought I wanted to be a priest. In September of 1961 I took up residence at St. Mark Roman Catholic Seminary in Erie, Pennsylvania. By June, 1965, I realized I no longer wished to be a priest.

In 1966 I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I came home for a 20-day leave and informed my parents that I loved the Marine Corps way of life and intended to make it a career. By the end of my 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam, I decided I no longer wished to be a Marine.

In 1968, I got a job with the H.J. Heinz Company as a shipping clerk and was determined to become a manager. 33 years later, at the age of 54, I retired as the manager of the Heinz Company's Pittsburgh, Pennaylvania facility.

In 1970 I married my late wife. We had five children and enjoyed 35 wonderful years together.

I will be 74-years-old next month. My adult children and grandchildren tell me that they are patiently waiting for me to grow up. I still am not sure what I want to be when I finally do.
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Published on June 11, 2021 11:28
Comments Showing 1-2 of 2 (2 new)    post a comment »
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message 1: by Christine (new)

Christine Hayton It's good to know I'm not the only kid on the block still trying to make that decision.


message 2: by Jim (last edited Jun 14, 2021 04:06PM) (new)

Jim Vuksic Christine wrote: "It's good to know I'm not the only kid on the block still trying to make that decision."

Christine,

I have personally read two of your books and thoroughly enjoyed both, so I predict that, when you grow up, you will become a well-known author.

Jim Vuksic


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