Thank You for the Memories

It seems like I’m always getting compliments on Texas Co-op Power everywhere I turn.  Granted, most of the compliments point to the recipe’s section, and I really understand the accolades it receives. Running a distant second to the recipes, many of you referenced my columns and how much you liked them.

Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I truly struggled when it came time to writing these articles. I’ve never been that person that could sit down and contemplate what I was going to write about from month to month. It was more like: It’s time for your article, and I really need it today. I know I drove the folks responsible for the content and layout crazy.

They couldn’t do their job until I finished mine.

I once apologized to the editor of the magazine about my promptness (or lack thereof), and she just told me I was a grown-ass man and to do what needed to be done. Well, I think she was referring to “man up” and do your job. But I heard the exact opposite, and that didn’t really help me with the deadlines.

The reason I’m telling you this is because after this month’s edition, you won’t have to read any of my spewing in this magazine again. I am retiring on January 14, after 40-plus years with San Bernard Electric Cooperative, the last 15 and some change as the general manager.

I would like to thank the SBEC Board of Directors for their confidence in me and you, the member- ship, for this wonderful opportunity. And, more importantly, I want to thank all the employees I’ve been associated with during my 40-year run. This might be the last time I will be able to put this in print, and I really do want to extend my gratitude to all my co-workers. Without you doing the excellent job you do (have done), there is no way I could have had this opportunity. Each of you made my tenure so much easier, and it was a pleasure to be associated with such a great group of folks.

I left my family and roots from the Panhandle of Texas scared spitless with my young bride and small child in tow not knowing what to expect and where we would even live. We packed up and came to the area with the co-op still looking for a place for us to live. Talk about a leap of faith! But thanks to the employees at that time, I found a new family and home. The family atmosphere is still prevalent today—not only with my co-workers but with many of the members I’ve had the blessing to meet and know.

As with anyone retiring after a long stint at one place—especially holding the position I’ve held the last 15 years—there are many memories, both good and bad. And truth be told, I must hold onto both, for they will always be a part of me. Thankfully, the good will always outweigh the bad, and I have very little to regret.

There are some things that didn’t work out like they were supposed to or according to plan. And I guess that’s why it’s called life. What I would like for you to remember me by is that there wasn’t a decision I made that didn’t have the benefit of our membership foremost in the process. As my predecessor said a long time ago, I wish that you judge me for my intentions and not by my actions—because every decision I made as the GM of SBEC was for the protection of the membership.

Some of the wholesale power contracts we signed were favorable in obtaining a lower cost to you at the time we signed them. However, I was not born with a crystal ball and did not foresee how natural gas fracking would turn the world of gas pricing upside down. And just so you know, natural gas pricing is a major influence on the price of electricity. All the contracts we signed had favorable pricing at the time we signed them. They just didn’t end up that way.

But again, the good memories will far outweigh the bad. I am extremely proud that SBEC just celebrated over 1 million hours of no lost-time accidents, and we’re still counting. I’ve been through three similar events where we exceeded 1.5 million hours. For a business like ours, this achievement is very fulfilling. But more importantly, it is once again a reflection on our employees and their dedication.

It’s been a great ride blessed with many memories of people, places, and events. Those of you who have already finished the ride know what I’m talking about. To those of you still enjoying the ride: Enjoy it, for its finish will be here before you realize it. I will not even try to thank all the people individually that helped me in my journey; you know who you are, and I am eternally grateful.