1970: Dear Joe Austin, My Accidental Manny

Dear Joe,

Sometime around 1970, direct from your deployment with the US Army in Vietnam, you appeared at our front door on Columbine Street in Denver, Colorado with a somewhat suspect recommendation from a family friend. Grateful for your service to our country (and what must have been an amazing first impression), my parents enthusiastically welcomed you into our home as a basement apartment tenant with a twist.  

I was that twist.  I was about seven at the time. Dad remained a dedicated lawyer and my remarkable Mom had pivoted mid-life to return to law school determined to help family law do better to support families.  My three older siblings had mostly fled the nest. So, your new home arrangement included looking after me. I have no idea how often or for how long you were called into this very different kind of service.  However, I always remember you as kind, reassuring and responsible company.  

Our family still laughs about the potentially questionable choice to hire Joe the “Manny” on little to no research. I still make the delicious rice, butter and honey you taught me to concoct – an amazing Far East meets the West after school snack.

Thanks for being the right guy at the right time.

aka Annie Hoagland