Yesterday, I attempted to inform all of you that I was in hard lockdown after my Jeep was broken into and my backpack, which contained my laptop, homework and other items, was stolen from my vehicle at around 5:20am. I had stopped at a Starbucks near my college campus in order to get some coffee and get to campus for class.
This incident happened right in front of a security camera mounted below the sign of the Sprint Store right beside the Starbucks in the same building.
The Jeep got repaired but my belongings were gone for good.
On that laptop was a setup using Kubuntu and Ubuntu Studio controls/packages to demonstrate how you can have Ubuntu Studio software, namely the audio production pieces, on any flavor of Ubuntu besides the default Ubuntu Studio installation.
At one moment, I contemplated several things. Quitting school and backing out of SCALE.
By the time I arrived at home, and it was a damn cold ride but I survived, I got word about something that brought me to my knees and cried.
My fathet-in-law was buying me a brand new laptop, an amazing piece of hardware, and these heavily encouraging words and I quote:
"Charlie,
Jenny got with me today about what happened to you at school. I was all over the emotional spectrum. From sad, to worried, to outright mad at the person who'd do such a thing to such a good man who's doing his damndest to get ahead in a fastly changing world that needs someone like. You take care of my Jenny better than anybody I've ever seen, including me. You're a sweet, intelligent and caring young man and I can't sit here and just let you give up on your dreams. In light of that, I've taken the liberty of doing something for you to help you get back on track. I ordered a brand new laptop (*: my edit here, the specs he listed made my jaw hit the floor), for you with your favorite mouse and it'll be delivered by the time you get from SCALE. I insist on doing this for you because you mean the world to my daughter and to me and I absolutely want to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Now, another thing. I know you're rattled hard. I was told what you said to Jenny. It broke my heart. The above actions were in part for that. The other parts, I can only do in person. Call me and/or come see me when you can. I love you, son.
Dad"
I admit, I was speechless. My father-in-law is a good man. He's adamant about education and having a career that you love. That's why I won't let vehicular burglarly ruin my day today at SCALE. I'll be there from 14:00-18:00.
I hope everyone has a family like I've got. Family who are adamant on helping others. That's the beauty of being involved with this team and the Linux community in general. We believe in helping each other learn and create.
I know this has been a rather heartfelt email but I wanted to come forward with it because I believe in keeping you in the loop.
Thank you for listening/reading and if you can, come to SCALE this weekend. It's my first time and I want to meet all of you.
Thank you for being my friends and family and mentors on a road that's gorgeous from all views.
Charlie Luna
ubuntu-california.org
'carbonzero' on IRC.
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