Trooper Manuel H. Fields

Uncle Manuel I really miss you. You were an integral part of my world from the day I entered the earth. We lived together for the first ten years of my life. I remember when you used to work at the YMCA and you would take me with you. I remember your awful dance moves...LOL. I remember you being there for the big moments in my life. I remember when you became a State Trooper and got stationed in Jackson, MI and you moved away. I remember when I used to visit you. I remember your sternness and I remember your generosity. I remember when you became a Father for the first time although you were always a father figure to me. I remember always wanting to make you proud because I was so proud of you. I remember how loving and gentle you were with both of your daughters. There was nothing that you did half-way. You put your all into everything you did. You were excellence personified. I learned so much from you. You were my role-model and hero. I remember our last conversation. I was upset because you didn't come to my high school graduation, and you simply asked me "Did you invite me?" I told you about my plans to go into the Air Force and you were a little disappointed because you wanted me to go to college. I wanted to go to college as well but I didn't want my mom to be responsible for paying for it. She was going through a tough time and I didn't want to be a burden so I decided to go into the Air Force and allow the military to pay for my education. On the day of Aug 27th, 1994 I had been hanging out with Auntie Gwennie all day. I remember feeling like I needed to go home, and I kept asking her to take me home. I didn't really understand it at the moment but I just had this overwhelming urge to go home. She finally took me home. I was in my room and I was writing in my journal about my day. I had started keeping a journal once I decided to go into the military as I waited for my start date. The phone rang and on the other line was a woman asking to speak to my mom, I didn't recognize her voice. I yelled downstairs for my mother to get the phone. I hung up the other phone and went back to writing in my journal. Suddenly, I heard a piercing scream coming from downstairs. I ran down to see what was wrong only to find my mom crying and she said that you were gone... My heart stopped. I had just spoken to you a few days prior and I kept hearing the disappointment in your voice about my choice to join the military playing in my head. I tried to be strong for my mom. She informed me to make the hard phone calls to my aunts. Before long the whole family had gathered at our house as shock and grief gripped us all. You were the baby of the family...the youngest of your siblings. You were the one that had done all that you set out to do. You were our hero. You had a lovely service....we were amazed at the honor that was bestowed upon you that day. In classic Fields fashion we had a Memorial Service as well, a beautiful intimate gathering. I was still grappling with the thought that you left this earth disappointed in a decision that I was making about my future. At the memorial service your dear friend Marion "affectionately known as Body" came to me and said "Manuel told me that you are going to the Air Force", I put my head down and responded , "Yes". Body continued, "He was so proud of you and your decision". That small interchange of words set me free. I was able to join the military without having a cloud of guilt looming over my head. I had a successful 13 year career in the Air Force. Although so many years have past, you are always in my thoughts. I still desire to make you proud. I often talk to my daughters about you. I wish they would have had the opportunity to meet you. I love you dearly and deeply! I know that I will see you again.
Your Niece,
Shannon

Shannon Fields
Niece

June 27, 2022