My father was a tall, heavy-set man who loved providing for his family. He was a proud Texan. Everywhere he went people looked up to him not only physically but also intellectually.

He worked for Texas Pete Insulation Company from 1964 – 1978. It was in 1978 that I met John Jones. He was a Texas Mesothelioma Attorney. He was the Union attorney that represented dad and other workers in a lawsuit against the Texas Pete Insulation Company for not providing a safe environment for its employees. This is what happened to my father that I loved and adored.

Dad loved his job, even though his company did not always provide a safe environment for its employees he never missed a day of work. My dad was responsible for installing insulation into commercial buildings. One summer day in 1978 my father became gravely ill whilst at work. Some of his co-workers said he started coughing and then he started gasping for air. He was rushed to Dallas Memorial. When my mom, sister ,brother and I arrived at the hospital dad was already in the ER, where we were not allowed to see him for about an hour. During that time I put on a brave front for my sister and brother since I was the oldest. My inside was in knots but I fought back the tears and the fear of the unknown. My mom sat quietly flipping through magazines although it was obvious that she wasn't reading. Around 4:15pm a short, tanned man came out and asked for Mrs. Brown. My mom quickly responded, “ I am Mrs. Brown.” The doctor did not hesitate by informing her that Dad has mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. “How did he get it?”, Mum asked. The doctor then went on to explain that since Dad installed insulation and did not wear a mask he had inhaled a significant amount of asbestos particles during the past 10 years. These particles were blocking his airways, and his condition was inoperable. He would have to be on oxygen for the rest of his life. That was the day that my father became a man I did not recognize anymore.