35 Years and Counting

July 12, 1976 was a Monday and I can almost remember every thing about it. I was twenty years old and never really been away from home and to come to Pascagoula was to say the least a very big thing. I had just taken a job at Singing River Hospital as a 3rd shift Computer Operator. Back then Computer Operators had to run the computer not just sit and watch a status board like today. Back then everything was on punch cards and it was our job to load the cards (data) into the big old slow machine to post charges, cash, payroll, and all that. Once the reports printed we had to walk them out to each department. There was none of this assigning the reports to a department printer and having it print there when finished… hahaha





It took a lot of hard work and being stabbed in the back many times, but after nine years trying to prove myself I was able to break into Programming and I never looked back. Now for over 25 years I’ve been writing reports and I must say I’ve enjoyed my job very much.


Now thirty-five years later --- I have 3 grown daughters, 3 grandsons, and 1 little princess and news of another one in February. I guess people could call me lucky, but the only lucky thing was I knew someone to that helped me get my foot in the door… it was my hard work and the willingness to go the extra mile that has gotten me to this 35 year pin.




I came to the hospital 35 years ago and didn’t know anyone--- today I can say I can’t go anywhere in the hospital without stopping to talk to a now “old” friend. Yes, God has been so good to me and I thank my Mom and Dad for being my role models for my work ethics and Jim Hatten for believing in me 35 years ago and walking out on that thin limb to help me get this job. Jim, I owe you big time.. and I thank you so much.

July 19, 2011 I received my 35 year pin from Singing River Health System and what made it for me was the fact that my little girl, Melissa was able to be there with me... I wish the Lauren and Mary could have been with me, but with 2 little ones Dad understands.. Melissa works at the hospital also.