MJ-Way

…The meeting was everything I thought it would be. I was going to start with one of the hospitals first major projects and that was the removal of the old civil war hospital. I would be part of a team of both skilled trades personnel, managers, and administrators over seeing this endeavor. I would report to the Hospital Facilities Director when I arrived in the afternoon. He would be responsible for giving me a checklist of items that needed to be signed for when the contractors completed them. I was going to be paid a salary every two weeks based on 48 hours (24 hours a week), and bonus pay for any hours worked over 24 should the need arise. I really do believe they had my best interests at heart. They paid for and wanted me to continue school but they also wanted me to be part of their team. I felt very blessed, and still do to this day. It was a great experience, and opportunity.

… I had a nostalgic sadness to know that this gothic hospital, built and opened for the injured returning union soldiers in 1863, was going to be torn down. I was happy to find out that Ernie who I had befriended while working in the Central Processing Department was promoted to a Supervisors position. He had made sure all of the antique equipment that occupied the surgical theater was either sold or in a museum somewhere. I was happy when he informed me of this. I told him I was working on the demolition team and was somewhat torn between the history of the Hospital and the future expansion. He was all for the expansion. The Central Processing, Stores, Receiving, and main Pharmacy would all have new state of the art facilities when the expansion was completed.

.. There were plans for a new parking structure as well giving employees and patients direct safe access to the hospital. Also, new clinics and Doctor’s offices would ensure more patients to utilize the new services being offered them. I had to agree with his enthusiasm. If the medical center was to grow, changes were part of the process, and that to me was always more easily said then done. I would miss the old civil war hospital. I believe it gave the Detroit Medical Center its character. The French call it, “ambiance.” That ambiance was of value, I believed. Our graphic arts department did take a picture of the old hospital and for awhile that enlarged photograph was displayed on a wall in the Brush Building lobby. It just wasn’t the same to me.

… Then as what only could happen in our special urban environment, a group of idiots believed they could pass themselves off as a legitimate moving company. They attempted to remove all of the civil war furniture, most of it dated from 1863, especially built for the hospital. It was still being used in the clinics. Oak chairs, cabinets with beveled crystal glass in lays, the hardware, beautiful polished brass, they loaded it all into a moving truck. Once they were finished they were quickly arrested, and prosecuted. The medical center didn’t want to have to move the furniture twice.

…Maintenance staff drove the truck to our warehouse where it was unloaded and the furniture safely stored. I learned a valuable lesson that day from my friend, now supervisor, in the Central Processing Department, Ernie. The management of the medical center knew what they were up against in this urban environment and made it work to the hospitals advantage. This would not be the first time something like this happened at the medical center and it for sure would not be the last. My Life’s Journey To Be Continued… Mathew 8: 1-2 & John 3:-16

… It wasn’t long before I was called to a meeting with the Director of Hospital Facilities, the Hospital Project Administrator, and the General Manager who worked for a private contractor responsible for all medical center renovation and new construction. Gwen was not kidding. After they formally introduced themselves, the Director of Hospital Facilities opened with a proposal. The hospital administration wanted someone to follow up on the construction projects and report on what has been completed to date. Since many of the contractors were working through the night, they needed someone to follow up with them, and report back any problems encountered that would deter completion. They also informed me I would be the one to schedule the areas to be cleaned and ready for occupancy by working with the Environmental Service night manager.

…..I would also be working with the skilled trades personnel, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters getting their “signoffs” as projects were completed. That information would be left with the General Manager and the Director of Hospital Facilities on a nightly basis. They understood I was pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree and my work schedule would be based on my class offerings. They were willing to work with me on that. “Was I interested?” This was a chance of a lifetime and I knew it. I was going to play a part in the growth of the Detroit Medical Center while I was still an undergraduate student at Oakland University. I let them know I was very interested. I also understood I’d have to work a flexible schedule. They understood my need to be in class to meet degree requirements by passing those classes as well. I would meet with them again.

… That meeting would be with our Personnel Manager, The Director of New Facilities Construction, and the Vice-President of Harper-Grace Hospitals. They told me the job was a good opportunity and they didn’t want to lose me. They thought other employers were interested in employing me as well. I was flattered, but still naive, and wondered what they meant by that? What other employers? I thought to my self, who has times for other employers? I was very excited and looked forward to our next meeting. In the days ahead that’s all I could think of. I had to refocus. School!!!! I had to stay on top of four classes worth of home work, papers due, and lecture notes to decipher.

…Exams were also coming up in all of my undergraduate classes. They were extremely important. They were all the classes required for my major in Public Administration and Public Policy. This was also my first full semester at Oakland University. This I thought would determine my career path and if I should pursue Law School. I had a lot riding on these four classes. I was even happier as I later found out I not only passed all of the exams with an A average, but I was now on the Deans list for academic honors. I had a 3.80 GPA. All I could think off was thank you “Jesus.” My prayers for continued guidance were being answered. This was a new world for me, and I wouldn’t be lying by saying at times I had felt very overwhelmed. All I could think of at those stressed moments was how nice it was camping in Canada, fishing for salmon, and driving on the open Canadian highway with music playing on my cars stereo. Hebrews 10: 1-10

…The summer celebrations were over and I was able to finish my Liberal Arts Degree from Macomb Community College in the Fall semester of 1976. I was accepted and enrolled at Walsh College of Business in 1977. I did well at the College taking classes in Marketing, Communications, Statistics, and Economics, but after a year I decided to enroll at Oakland University. I would complete my degree requirements and serve an internship. I enjoyed Walsh College but I wanted to pursue a degree in Public Administration and Public Policy. At that time, I was thinking about going to Law School after completing my Bachelors degree. All of my classes transferred to Oakland University from the Community College and Walsh College. I was happy about that. At the same time I had made the decision to go to Oakland University I was approached by Gwen. She needed to speak with me and wanted us to have lunch together. I made sure to make that appointment.

…I met here in the Grace Hospital cafeteria. The food there was always home made and I could get a meal that would literally last me all day for under a $1.25. If I wanted home made ice cream I would have to pay .25 cents for a large scoop. I didn’t choose the ice cream today but Gwen did. She always looked happy to see me and wanted to know how school was going. I let her know I had enrolled in Oakland University after spending a couple of semesters at Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration. My plans were to complete a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Public Policy. If my grades were high enough, and I stayed motivated, I would pursue Wayne State University Law School. She just seemed glad to hear this and smiled.

…She then informed me that that is why she wanted to meet with me today. Harper and Grace Hospitals had officially merged. Grace Hospital would be closed and demolished making way for a professional office building and an ancillary surgery center or better known as “same day surgery.” Wow, big plans I thought out loud. She shook her head and proceeded to inform me that the Administration of the Hospital wants to include me in their plans. She had a general idea of what they are looking for me to do, but would rather I hear it from them. She believed my work schedule would be flexible enough for me to continue my studies, give me a ton of experience, and a nice raise in salary as well. I was really surprised. “Are you interested?” She couldn’t keep from laughing. “You know I am,” I replied smiling. “A formal offer will be made at a later date, and for now,” she insisted, “let’s enjoy our lunch.” My world was about to change immensely. My Life’s Journey To Be Continued… 2 Corinthians 12:9

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… I like to fish. I began as a very young boy with my father, through my teen years with friends, their families, my college days, right up until the present. You can say fishing is an obsession for me. A real addiction. The tug on my fishing line the narcotic. My adrenalin rushes when that happens and the endorphins flood my brain. One of my high schoolfriends family had property in Auburn, Ontario. It was located on the Maitland River. One of the best fishing rivers I had the chance to fish on in Canada. The mouth of the river was located in Goderich, Ontario some 11 miles from where we would fish and swim during the summer in Auburn. The docks in Goderich were loaded with commercial fishing tugs much like the one pictured above. I mention this only to remember that I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of one Captain MacKay. He saw me fishing at one of the docks and took an interest in my fishing technique.

…He couldn’t stop laughing. He informed me that if I thought I was going to catch salmon that way I needed to change what I was doing. I was all ears. He reached into a box he had on his tug and informed me the fishing lure he brought out and now held in his hand was called “A Little Cleo.” It was a pretty lure. It was stainless steel with a sharp stainless steel treble hook attached and on one side it had a dark green streak. He said, “this particular lure could hook me a Co Ho Salmon if I knew how, where and when to use it.” I was once again all ears and it seemed the only thing I did right today was run into a fisherman, who was also a commercial fishing captain, and with his help he had me fishing in the mouth of the Maitland River as it emptied into Lake Huron for Co Ho Salmon.

…I was impressed that he was willing to show me what to do and how to maneuver the lure on my fishing line as I cast it and retrieved it. It was a lesson I never forgot and an experience that I would spend the autumn months doing on a regular basis. I would see salmon jumping out of the water not far from where I was standing and wouldn’t quit casting until I hooked one. The fight was memorable and fresh salmon unbelievable. That’s why on a day we were celebrating our countries bicentennial on the Detroit River, The Scottish festival, sponsored by the Society of Saint Andrew-Detroit, I was shocked to see a fishing trawler marked Goderich, Ontario and looking very much like Captain MacKay’s boat docking along side of the Detroit River.

.. I recognized some of his crew and wondered if he had made the trip as well. I was pleasantly surprised to see him and he was quick to recognize me. I welcomed him to Detroit and he laughed saying “I think you went to far to fish for salmon.” I smiled and thought wow he remembers and I had to tell him I still have the Little Cleo fishing lure he gave me. It was too valuable to lose but I used it to buy many others that I have lost fishing for salmon. “Then your doing it right,” he quipped. “Where can I get a cold beer and a whiskey,” he asked and I pointed to the tents. He shook my hand saying “It was good seeing you kid but I got a thirst to quench.” He marched off to the tents and his crew was quick to follow all waving goodbye. They were on a mission. All I could think of was the world is much smaller than I thought. Ephesians 5:20

This is Captain T. I have fished with this Captain for at least the past 15 years. We continue to be good friends and retired prison teachers. We fish on one of Michigan’s blue water rivers. He’s showing his heritage and is proud of it. He’s not a bad fisherman either.

… I truly enjoyed coming down town to the J.L. Hudson Department store. I was a five foot- six inch tall, 120 lb. speck, in what could only be best described as America’s melting pot. This was the place to be if getting lost in the crowd was your cup of tea. It definitely was mine. The Downtown Detroit Days (DDD) being displayed on banners attached to light posts ensured large crowds for me to disappear into. The crowds would make their way to the department stores who offered large discounts on just about everything they sold. Today I would be headed to J.L.Hudson’s bargain basement. It was a store within a store. The employees always seemed so nice, and they went out of their way to help me. I must of had a face of bewilderment because I always seemed to get the attention of some young but very pretty sales women. I found my way to the bargain basement and was immediately approached by a young sales woman.

….She wanted to know how could she be of assistance, and I was immediately dumb struck. She was beautiful. I found myself awestruck but I remembered what I came here for and I informed her I needed tennis shoes. She smiled, and told me I came to the right place because of the Downtown Detroit Days discount I could get a pair of tennis shoes for five dollars. I was really surprised. She pointed to where I needed to go and as I looked in that direction I saw a large circular bin full of Nike tennis shoes. When I turned around to thank her, she was gone, and I was astonished she disappeared that fast. For a minute my curiosity was piqued, I thought I should go see where she went, but I remembered I needed to accomplish what I came for. I still had to catch the bus back to work.

…I picked out 3 pairs off tennis shoes, red, white, and blue. I would save two for work and one pair for the YMCA. I learned to play handball at the young man’s Business Club there, and got to be pretty good at it. On my way to the cashier I found a t-shirt that was not only a celebration of our nations bicentennial but also of Detroit’s 275th anniversary as a city. The French Fleur 1701- Detroit 1976 with the iconic “Spirit of Detroit” 275 years and our American Flag 200 bicentennial emblazoned on the front caught my eye immediately. It too, with the Detroit Discount Days, was only five dollars. I was able to cash out for just $20.00 and .80 cents with tax. Mission accomplished. I had to get back to work with half an hour to go, and was lucky enough to catch the north bound Woodward bus as I exited the department store. I rode the bus back to the medical center for a quarter. Those days are gone but the memories are priceless. My Life’s Journey To Be Continued … Proverbs 30: 1-9, John 1: 1-14

I could go from one end of the Detroit Medical Center, starting at MacLaughlin Hall, walking through the Old Civil War Harper Hospital, all the way to the the front door of the old Grace Hospital in a matter of minutes. I was becoming very familiar with all of the medical centers ancillary clinics and laboratories. I especially enjoyed locating the often undisclosed laboratories of the researchers in the houses that encircled Wayne State University. The medical centers marquee would be located on the address which assured me I had located the laboratory. I enjoyed going to these laboratories because they were often located in the Victorian styled homes that bordered the college campus, and the researchers always seemed to be very happy to see me.

… Even though I was bringing them work, they seemed very eager, and couldn’t wait to see what I was bringing. I would first, hand them the paper work which often explained what they needed to test the specimen for, how the specimen was prepared, and then the specimen. The specimen was kept in a separate container that looked like a lunch box. I let them open the box and remove the specimen. I made sure to wash my hands while they placed the specimen under a hood vent behind a glassed in area. They would inform me when to come back for the written report. They would also contact the requesting Physician and the Chief of Pathology of their findings before the report was written. They seemed so organized and I never had to worry about their paperwork. It was obvious they knew what they were doing, and enjoyed doing it.

…The extra trips that I made to these laboratories took a wear on my shoes. The other messengers had told me early on that I could go to” Hudson’s Bargain Basement” and by all kinds of Nike tennis shoes for under $10.00 a pair. They said they were replacing their shoes about once a month, and they weren’t kidding. I used a pedometer to gauge how many steps/miles I was completing in a day and it easily equated to 10 to 15 miles. That was not counting the trips made to the labs on the Wayne State University campus. So one afternoon on my lunch hour I decided to make the trip to J.L. Hudson downtown. I caught the Woodward bus for twenty five cents. At 11:30 am the bus was loaded and sometimes I would have to stand until seats were vacated. It never seemed very long before we would arrive at the J.L. Hudson department store. It looked like half of the bus patrons exited here as well….. MY LIFE’S JOURNEY TO BE CONTINUED…. Romans 15:5-7

…The Council of Three Fires were an alliance of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi (Anishinaabe) nations. They traded with the French explorers, intermarried, and found shelter at Fort Pontchartrain. They fought along side of the French Military battling the Sioux Indians who were both their enemies. I would see the same camaraderie some 275 years later at the Detroit Medical Center as our nation celebrated its bicentennial. The Detroit Medical Center was a city within a city. That is the best way I could describe it. The hospitals and clinics that made up the medical center were also connected by tunnels underground. In inclement weather, patients and staff could utilize them to traverse the medical complex.

…..I got very familiar with the medical center and all of its buildings. I would pick up specimens and deliver lab reports to all of the clinics, hospital nursing stations, and laboratories. I got to meet so many different people and couldn’t believe how friendly they were. They were mostly scientists, doctors, nurses, and students. Also, some were administrators, managers, and supervisors. The freedom I experienced while working as a messenger for the laboratories enabled me to see how the hospital system worked, and who was directing the everyday operations. There was a very rich history here and I was very glad to be a part of it. Everyone I came in contact with wanted to know all about me .These were the questions they primarily asked: Where I was studying? What was I studying? What subjects of study was I interested in?

…I had to laugh because they all seemed to give me advice on their particular field of study and hoped I would find that particular field as interesting as they did. I became quite the politician as I didn’t want to offend anyone by picking a particular area. I would point out I was still completing my first two years, Liberal Arts, and hadn’t picked a major yet. I also couldn’t believe all the different nationalities of people I was meeting.

… The Detroit Medical Center was definitely a melting pot. I met scientists from the Eastern Block who fled communism, the middle east who fled persecution from dictatorships, Europeans who had dual citizenships but preferred working in the USA because of lower taxes. America, Africa, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, and many other countries were represented by the employees working here as well. Finally, the students who were enrolled in the schools of nursing, and Wayne State University made the melting pot complete. All seeking the same thing: wisdom and opportunity. My Life’s Journey TO BE CONTINUED Ephesians 2:1-9

…Working at the Detroit Medical Center I witnessed first hand what substance abuse was, and the toll it took on the human body. I had transferred from the Central Processing Department to work as a Currier for the Hospital Laboratories. I would miss my friends in Central Processing but I got to work with some real professionals in the laboratories and my new boss was fantastic. They had been recruiting me and I wanted to work a steady day shift, with every other weekend off, and the opportunities science offered me seemed endless. They helped me pass my Chemistry and Anatomy classes no doubt., but what I learned watching autopsies would stick with me forever. The pathology of disease and much of it self inflicted. Lung cancer and sorosis of the liver were many of the disease pathologies I witnessed upon examinations. I seriously cut back on how much I smoked and drank after viewing those autopsies.

…The Pathologist always quizzed me on the anatomy and if I could tell what the patient died from. They had hoped I would pursue a career in science, and I actually believed I was going to do so as well. However, that was not to be my future path. I didn’t know it at the time. I took the autopsies I was invited to view seriously, and I answered their questions when quizzed. Later in life I witness what the effect of drinking and smoking had on my father. He had his first heart attack at 55 years old and suffered a severe stroke at 66 years old. That stroke eventually took his life while he was was in rehabilitation for the paralysis it caused to the left side of his body. He was sober for at least 10 years but the damage caused by the addictions he suffered from earlier were too much. He never made it out of rehab. He had a massive heart attack and passed away.

…At the cemetery my younger brother stayed with me to witness my dad’s burial. I didn’t realize at the time that the same addictions would take him also at the age of 50 years old. Not more than 14 years from burying my father I would witness his burial as well. Unfortunately, his death was described as an accidental poisoning. He was scheduled for hip replacement surgery and overdosed on his presurgical medication. What I’ve learned most recently is that we all have, live with someone, or know someone in our families who have a disease that we didn’t cause, we can’t control, and most definitely can’t cure. They may never admit they have a problem, and believe they are just enjoying life. Unfortunately, they may never admit it until it’s too late.

…However, There is a group of people dedicated to helping those family members who are living with someone who has an alcohol use disorder known as AUD. They are known as Al-Anon and they provide a support group of people experiencing relatives who have the disease, and refuse to admit it. At the same time, their continued abuse wreaks havoc in their households. They usually don’t admit that either. The stress that creates can be unbearable at times for those living with them.

… There is also another group for substance abuse/narcotics users. They are known as Nar-Anon. I highly recommend family members find these groups and utilize them if you are experiencing the problems caused by the abusers. You will no longer feel isolated and realize there are others who are experiencing the same unpredictability from loved ones these diseases impact. The camaraderie provides a support group for those experiencing the many issues substance abusers bring to their families. A very much needed and appreciated peace. My Life’s Journey Continues…. Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12

Proud of both the Men’s and Women’s USA Olympic Hockey team. This is both their third gold medal but this is the first time they both won gold medals in the same year 2026. USA! USA!! USA!!! GOLD

…The summer of 1976 was a great experience for me. I was able to reconnect with my family and friends. My younger brother even started working at the medical center as well and was working on obtaining a Surgical Technicians Certification from Mercy College while he worked as an orderly in the Emergency Room. We worked different shifts but I was told by his colleagues they enjoyed working with him. I would reconnect with him when I could and I did let him know I was proud of him getting into the Surgical Technician Program at Mercy College so fast. From what I heard, they only took those students with high aptitudes based on several different entrance exams and he obviously did well on them. My coworkers could not believe we were brothers. He was much taller, lean, blue eyes with blonde hair, and a personality to match his looks.

…The Nursing Supervisor of our ER, (a hardened Navy nurse) I believe was one of the positive influences in his life. Every time she saw me she made sure to tell me about him. I was even surprised to find out that by the end of the summer he had received his certification, and could begin working as a Surgical Technician in our Operating Rooms. I was even more astonished when he told me he was leaving the medical center and took a job with a leading manufacturer as a Modeler. I knew he had the skills to do just about anything he put his mind to, and I had a good feeling he was going to make a whole lot more money than what he was making at the medical center as a Surgical Technician. I was happy for him. I believe he had found his niche.

… He was really loved here in the short six months he worked at the Detroit Medical Center. I would be asked for updates on him almost daily. I had to let them know he was doing well and was even talking about getting married to his high school sweetheart. They were eventually married in 1977. After being married, he joined the Airforce and began raising his family in Yuba City, California. The years just seem to melt away looking back. They fold one into the other. But with all the celebrating and just having the time to see my family and friends the summer of 1976 meant a lot to me. It kept me grounded. I would be enrolling in my last two community college courses in the fall of 1976. After graduating with my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, I would have to decide if the educational quest should continue, or did I need to choose another path. My Life’s Journey To Be Continued…………….

The Lenten Season has begun. After beginning to write in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, December 2020, this was my 130th vignette. I am taking a much needed sabbatical. Thank you to my many readers for following along. May God bless all of you. Stay grounded in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

… For the first time in awhile I felt if I was moving in the right direction. I was surrounded by coworkers who were all doing the same thing. Everyone in this department was working on fulfilling degree requirements of some kind. We got to eat lunch together and it made for some lively conversations. In my current position I had to work 2 weekends in a row with one weekend off. I didn’t mind it because it left me with days off during the week which I used for school. I was also lucky as well because on weekends I could catch a mass at one of the many Catholic churches in our immediate vicinity. My work schedule was flexible enough for me to attend during my lunch hour. I made sure to make these services when I worked the weekends. I always felt welcomed there. I often saw other medical staff their as well.

…Some of those churches are still open today. I remember the feeling of walking into Sweetest Heart of Mary, or even St Anne, one of the oldest churches in Detroit, with their belles peeling to summon the congregation to the service. It was awesome. The organ music filling the church, and the churches themselves were so huge and beautiful inside. I felt minuscule. If it was the Christmas season the church’s would all be decorated appropriately for the season., and the same with Easter. Over the years, I had noticed that larger crowds always seem to come to those seasonal services. Saint Anne is now officially called: “Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit” , and my nephew was married in the Sweetest Heart of Mary Roman Catholic which I remember it being an incredible service.

…Those churches are still open today and just as beautiful. I am hoping my grandsons can experience them in their day as well. A living testament to the community that built them and continues to support them. I have only mentioned two here but I also got to experience several others, but their congregations were small when I attended, and they maybe struggling to stay open now. St. Josaphat, St. Hyacinth and St. Albertus. I had a chance to visit the services in these churches as well. The architecture is phenomenal. Inside the church, the artwork, the marble, and the craftmanship is an absolute wonder. Many of these churches can be searched and viewed on line. The Archdiocese of Detroit is in the middle of a church reorganization throughout the Archdiocese. I hope these churches can stay open or at least find another useful purpose.. …. My Life’s Journey To Be Continued…. PSALM 4