"I am approaching the autumn of my life - but it still feels like spring to me.
I still have the passion and enthusiasm to do what I love the most.
Life has been good to me, not always easy, and sometimes very, very hard, but I have been blessed - blessed with the most wonderful companion, strong in the face of adversity and charitable to the needy. We have faced the life together as pioneers and we have two wonderful children, my daughter Cecilia and my son Manny. They have then given me three wonderful grandchildren and one great grandson.
Life has also given me the strength to fight for what I believed in. To say what I believe in without reservation, even when my beliefs were different - even opposite - of what was popular.
Life has give me the opportunity to plant seeds of techniques, strategies, good sportsmanship and most of all unconditional love. Growing up, my children always asked me why I spent so much time on the "difficult" kids - and now they remind me that my answer is what continues to resonate in them with their own kids and their friends. 'The kids that are the hardest to love are the ones that need it most.' Unconditional love is something that needs to be cultivated in those of us that serve the public - that care, train and coach other people's children.
All of my efforts in life has not been to cash in on getting any awards, recognition or status. For me, it has been the genuine pleasure to see young people succeed. That is my greatest award.
Even though I have no desire to leave, I have to recognize that younger minds will continue my journey and I have to make room for succession.
Life doesn't owe me a living - it was up to me to live a strong life in this world. I like to think that life and I are tied 6-to-6 with no tiebreaker.
I like to think that the seeds I have planted will continue to grow, expand and plant new seeds along the way.
I am looking forward to a new way of life - and will be a resource to all that come after me."
-Coach Manny Velasco
