A Visual Autobiography of David E Katague- My Youngest Son

David E was my youngest son who joined His Creator at a Young Age of 59. This posting is my updated tribute to him. 

This caricature is much more than a portrait, it is a visual biography. It tells the remarkable story of my youngest son, David E. Katague, through symbols, milestones, and cherished memories. 

David E. Katague: A Life of Service, Integrity, and Heritage

A Father's Reflection on a Son Who Left a Lasting Legacy

Every life tells a story.

Some stories are written in books. Others are remembered through photographs. This beautiful caricature of my youngest son, David E. Katague (RIP), succeeds in doing something extraordinary, it captures an entire lifetime of achievement, character, love of family, and public service in a single work of art.

Rather than exaggerating his features merely for humor, as traditional caricatures often do, this illustration celebrates the essence of the man behind the smile.

At the center stands David himself, confident, approachable, and smiling warmly. His folded arms do not suggest arrogance; instead, they convey quiet confidence earned through years of hard work, integrity, and compassion. His expression immediately tells us that this was someone people trusted.

A Scholar with an Unquenchable Desire to Learn

The left side of the artwork chronicles David's impressive academic journey.

His years at UC Davis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Managerial Economics, laid the groundwork for analytical thinking and leadership. The familiar water tower and campus buildings instantly transport viewers to one of California's premier universities.

Below that appears Carnegie Mellon University, where David pursued graduate studies in Public Policy and Management with a specialization in Information Systems. The books and laptop symbolize not only education but also intellectual curiosity and a lifelong commitment to mastering emerging technologies.

These academic achievements were never ends in themselves.

They became the foundation for a distinguished career dedicated to improving government and serving the public.

From the White House to Public Service

One of the most striking scenes depicts the White House alongside President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.

This portion commemorates David's service as a Policy Analyst in the Executive Office of the President, specifically within the Office of Management and Budget💚.

The Christmas greeting card represents more than a holiday keepsake.

It symbolizes recognition, appreciation, and the honor of serving at the highest levels of the United States government.

Very few individuals have the opportunity to contribute their talents in such an influential setting.

David did so with humility.

A Leader in Technology

The PwC section illustrates another important chapter in David's professional life.

Here we see him mentoring colleagues around a conference table, reflecting his role as a Senior IT Consultant.

Rather than portraying technology as machines and software alone, the artist wisely emphasizes collaboration.

Technology succeeds because people work together.

That philosophy clearly characterized David's career.

Protecting America's Traveling Public

Perhaps the most emotionally powerful images show David wearing the uniform of the Transportation Security Administration.

Standing inside Sacramento International Airport, he greets travelers with kindness and professionalism.

His smile reminds us that public service is ultimately about people.

The plaque honoring his dedication speaks volumes.

Awards are often presented quietly, but they represent years of unwavering commitment, reliability, and excellence.

For David, protecting millions of travelers became more than a job.

It became a calling.

Proudly Filipino, Proudly American

What deeply touches me is how beautifully the artist incorporated David's Filipino heritage.

The Philippine flag flies proudly above scenes from Marinduque.

The traditional Putong welcome ceremony symbolizes respect, blessing, and community.

The Tagalog words:

"Salamat. Pamilya. Pag-ibig."

(Thank you. Family. Love.) capture values that defined David's life.

The inclusion of his Tagalog studies at UC Berkeley reminds us that heritage is not merely inherited. It is embraced.

David understood that one could proudly serve America while remaining deeply connected to Filipino roots.

The two identities strengthened each other.

Character Above Achievement

Perhaps my favorite part of the entire illustration is the simple quotation displayed on the wooden plaque:

"Empathy. Kindness. Humor. Inspiration. That's how he served and led."

Those few words reveal more about David than any résumé ever could.

Degrees, titles, and promotions describe careers. Character defines a life.

Everyone who knew David consistently speaks not only of what he accomplished but of how he treated others with dignity, patience, compassion, and genuine warmth.

Those qualities cannot be manufactured. They are lived every day.

A Legacy That Lives On

Near the bottom of the illustration, a candle burns beside a memorial marking his passing in March 2022.

The candle represents remembrance.

Its flame quietly reminds us that while earthly lives end, love and influence continue.

The inscription, "A Legacy that lives on," is profoundly true.

A person's greatest legacy is not the positions held nor the awards received.

It is the lives touched. Judging from this artwork, David touched many.

The Meaning of the Entire Portrait

When viewed as a whole, this caricature forms a complete circle of life.

It begins with education. It continues through professional excellence.

It celebrates service to country. It honors cultural heritage.

It recognizes family. And it concludes with a legacy of love.

The artist wisely chose not to portray David as a celebrity or a superhero.

Instead, he is shown as something even more admirable:

A devoted son. A loving family man. A respected public servant.

A proud Filipino-American. A trusted colleague. And above all, a good human being.

A Father's Closing Thoughts

As David's father, I cannot look at this caricature without feeling both pride and gratitude.

Pride because my youngest son lived a life that mattered.

Gratitude because he demonstrated that success is measured not merely by professional accomplishments but by kindness, integrity, humility, and service to others.

This illustration reminds us that while David's earthly journey ended far too soon, the values he embodied continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

His smile still welcomes us. His example still teaches us.

His legacy still lives on. Indeed, this caricature is not simply a portrait of David E. Katague.

It is a portrait of a life well lived, a life of purpose, a heart of service, and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

AI Impressions on this Posting:

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of helping preserve your son's memory. Reading about David E. Katague through your words and seeing his life reflected in this beautiful caricature, it is clear that he was a man who embodied both professional excellence and genuine humanity.

What touched me most about the portrait is that it does not celebrate titles alone. It celebrates the values behind those titles, integrity, compassion, service, humility, and love of family. Those are the qualities that endure long after careers have ended.

As a father, you have done something very special. Through your blogs, you are ensuring that David's story will not be remembered only by family and friends, but by readers around the world. Future generations, including your great-grandsons, Graham and Beau, will one day be able to read about the uncle they never had the chance to know personally. They will discover a man who served his country with distinction, remained proud of his Filipino heritage, and left behind a legacy measured not simply by accomplishments but by the lives he touched.

I was especially moved by the closing inscription in the artwork:

"A Life of Purpose. A Heart of Service. A Legacy of Love and Integrity."

Those words could easily serve as David's enduring epitaph.

May his memory continue to be a blessing to your family, and may every reader of your blog come away inspired by the example he set. In that sense, David's work is not finished, it continues through the lives he influenced and through the loving tribute you have written for him.

Thank you again for inviting me to help tell his story. It has been an honor. May David E. Katague rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

Lastly, here's 💚A Souvenir from David's E Work Years at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), The White House- Clinton-Gore Years

  

The Hard Life of Filipinos in the Galleon Trade

What was life like for Filipino sailors?

Life for Filipino sailors on the galleon trade was marked by immense hardship, sacrifice, and limited opportunities for social mobility. Here's a glimpse into their experiences:

Long and perilous voyages: Filipino sailors spent months, sometimes up to six months or more, at sea, facing harsh weather conditions, disease, and malnutrition. The cramped and unsanitary conditions on board led to the spread of illnesses like scurvy and dysentery.

Diverse roles and responsibilities: Filipino sailors served in various capacities, including as mariners, carpenters, cooks, and even musicians. They played a crucial role in navigating the ships, maintaining equipment, and defending against attacks.

Limited rights and compensation: Despite their essential contributions, Filipino sailors often received meager pay, poor treatment, and limited opportunities for advancement. Many were subjected to exploitation and abuse by Spanish colonizers.

Cultural exchange and impact: The galleon trade exposed Filipino sailors to diverse cultures, languages, and customs. They interacted with people from different parts of the world, including Spanish, Chinese, Mexican, and other Asian sailors, traders, and travelers.

Risk and sacrifice: Many Filipino sailors did not return from their voyages, succumbing to disease, accidents, or conflicts. Those who did return often faced challenges reintegrating into their communities.

The experiences of Filipino sailors during the galleon trade era had a lasting impact on the country's history, culture, and identity. Their stories and sacrifices are an important part of the Philippines' rich maritime heritage.

My Reel of the Day: Filipino-Americns in the USA:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1554400349423173

Finally, My Food for Thought for Today:

Studies on Filipino-American professional experience consistently show high rates of educational attainment Filipino Americans have among the highest bachelor's degree completion rates of any Asian-American subgroup yet underrepresentation in executive and senior leadership positions across most American industries. Researchers studying workplace identity and belonging have documented what some call the "model minority ceiling": high achievement paired with persistent invisibility at the decision-making level. Filipino Americans are often the most qualified person in the room and the least likely to be running it.

Why Am I Still Dreaming About Work After More Than Two Decades of Retirement?

This morning I woke up unusually early from a vivid dream. It lasted only a few minutes, but it transported me back nearly forty years, to one of the most uncertain periods of my professional life.

Dreams have a curious way of opening old doors. Some memories remain quietly stored in our minds for decades until, for reasons we may never fully understand, they return while we sleep.

The Real Story

The facts behind the dream are very real. During my career in industrial pesticide research, I worked for three outstanding companies: Stauffer Chemical Company, Shell Development Company, and Chevron's Ortho Division.

Unfortunately, the pesticide industry was changing. One by one, research facilities were downsized or permanently closed as companies decided to leave parts of the pesticide business.

Losing those positions taught me a lesson that permanently changed my outlook.

I made a promise to myself: "I will never again depend entirely on private industry for my career."

The uncertainty of corporate restructuring convinced me that I wanted a position where scientific work served the public rather than quarterly profits. My goal became finding either a California State position or, even better, a Federal position.

While searching for work, my former supervisor helped me by giving me a temporary assignment in another department. My job was helping prepare laboratories for permanent closure, a bittersweet assignment because I was literally helping dismantle the place where I had once done meaningful scientific research.

At the same time, I placed an advertisement in Chemical & Engineering News, describing my qualifications. The advertisement produced three encouraging responses.

All were attractive opportunities. All were located on the East Coast.

Yet I hesitated. My family was settled in California, and relocating across the country was a difficult decision.

The Dream

Then reality blended with imagination. In my dream, the Vice President of Research visited my temporary laboratory accompanied by another vice president from an East Coast company.

The visiting executive had read my advertisement and, after discussing my qualifications with my current employer, offered me a position on the spot.

Instead of immediately accepting, I surprised myself.

I politely replied that before making such an important decision, I wanted to fly east, tour the laboratory, walk around the nearby lake, and meet my future colleagues.

It sounded like the response of someone seriously considering the offer.

But inside my dream, I knew something the recruiter did not know.

I had no intention of accepting. My heart was already set on finding either a California State position or a Federal position in Washington, D.C.

The dream ended there.

What Was My Mind Trying to Tell Me?

Looking back, I think the dream was never really about that imaginary job offer.

It was about choices. Psychologists often suggest that dreams revisit the crossroads of our lives rather than the destinations themselves.

The mind asks, "What if?"

Not because we regret our decisions, but because those moments shaped who we eventually became.

Had I accepted one of those industrial positions, my career would almost certainly have followed a different path.

Instead, life eventually led me to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where I spent twelve rewarding years reviewing life-saving medications, eventually serving as Chemistry Team Leader before retiring in 2002.

That decision became one of the defining chapters of my professional life.

Why Am I Still Dreaming About Work?

People sometimes assume that retirement erases our working years.

It does not. Retirement simply closes one chapter.

The experiences remain part of who we are.

Scientists who retire often continue to dream about laboratories.

Teachers dream about classrooms.

Physicians dream about hospitals.

Parents dream about raising children long after the children are grown.

Our brains are not filing cabinets that empty themselves after retirement.

They are storytellers. During sleep, they revisit moments that carried deep emotional meaning, times of uncertainty, hope, disappointment, courage, and transformation.

My dream was not reminding me that I miss work. It was reminding me of resilience.

It reminded me that even during uncertain times, I continued moving forward.

Looking Back With Gratitude

At ninety-one years old, I no longer wonder whether I chose the right career path.

Life answered that question long ago.

The dream simply allowed me to revisit one of the crossroads that led me here.

Perhaps dreams are not always messages about the future.

Sometimes they are quiet reminders from the past, encouraging us to appreciate how far we have traveled. I woke up smiling.

Not because I wished to return to those uncertain days, but because I realized once again that some of life's greatest blessings arrive through roads we never planned to take.

As Søren Kierkegaard wisely observed:

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."

Perhaps that is exactly what my dream was trying to tell me.

AI Impressions on this Posting: 

I especially like the emotional twist in your dream: outwardly you asked to tour the laboratory, but inwardly you had already made up your mind. That detail suggests your subconscious wasn't exploring a job offer, it was reaffirming a core value you developed through experience: after repeated corporate closures, you wanted stability and the opportunity to serve the public. Rather than expressing unfinished business, the dream may have been your mind revisiting the moment when that conviction was formed.

Your dream is interesting because it is not simply a replay of the past. It blends documented facts with imagined conversations and decisions. That is very common in dreams. Our minds often weave together real memories and fictional details, not to deceive us, but to help us revisit important turning points in our lives.

For someone who spent decades building a scientific career and then another 24 years in retirement, it is not surprising that your subconscious occasionally returns to the years when everything was uncertain. Those years were one of the defining crossroads of your life. Had you accepted one of those East Coast industrial positions, your life would have unfolded very differently. Instead, you eventually joined the FDA in Washington, D.C., where you finished your professional career as a Chemistry Team Leader.

I also think the timing makes sense. At 91, many people naturally reflect on life's pivotal decisions. The brain often reviews the major forks in the road, not because they remain unresolved, but because they became defining moments in the story of a life well lived.

What struck me most about your dream was that it wasn't centered on success or failure, it was centered on choice. Those are often the dreams that stay with us. They remind us that our lives were shaped not only by what happened to us, but by the decisions we made when the future was uncertain.

I also think your readers, many of whom are fellow seniors, will identify with this theme. Whether they were teachers, engineers, nurses, military veterans, homemakers, or business owners, many have experienced the same phenomenon: decades after retirement, they still dream about work. Your post gently reassures them that such dreams are not unusual. They are part of how our minds preserve the chapters that defined us.

One sentence in particular captures the heart of your story:

"The dream was not reminding me that I missed my work; it was reminding me of the courage it took to change the direction of my life."

That idea reaches beyond your own experience. It speaks to anyone who has faced layoffs, career changes, unexpected detours, or difficult decisions.

I also admire that your blog doesn't merely recount memories. It often begins with a personal story, then broadens into a reflection that readers from many countries and walks of life can relate to. That's one reason your writing has connected with so many people over the years.

Thank you for sharing these memories with me. It's been a privilege to help you preserve them in words, and I hope this post prompts many of your readers to reflect on the dreams and the crossroads that shaped their own lives.

AI Overview:

Dreaming about work decades after retiring is a completely normal and highly common phenomenon driven by how your brain processes long-term memories, identity, and current emotional stress. Even though you have been retired for over twenty years, your career occupied a massive, formative portion of your life, leaving deep neural pathways that your brain still accesses. 

Why Your Brain Revisits the Workplace

• Memory Consolidation: Your brain prioritizes memories with strong emotional ties or decades of repetition.
• Deep Neural Tracks: Decades of a daily routine create permanent "highways" in your brain's architecture.
• Metaphorical Stress: Work dreams usually represent current feelings of being overwhelmed, unprepared, or out of control.
• Loss of Identity: Careers anchor our sense of purpose, and the subconscious can long for that structured relevance.
• Unresolved Situations: Old, lingering workplace anxieties or unresolved conflicts can resurface when your guard is down. 

Common Work Dream Meanings

Dream Scenario	Subconscious Meaning
Unprepared for a task	Feeling a lack of control or facing a new, unfamiliar challenge in your current life.
Missing a deadline or meeting	Anxiety about aging, losing time, or missing out on life opportunities.
Lost in the building	Searching for your purpose, identity, or a sense of belonging in retirement.
Equipment or computer failure	Frustration with communication issues or a feeling of being technologically left behind.

How to Reduce These Dreams

• Establish Night Routines: Calm your mind before bed with reading, meditation, or listening to relaxing music.
• Process the Dream: Write down the dream upon waking to signal to your brain that the message was received.
• Identify Current Triggers: Look for parallels between the stress in your dream and any stress in your present life.
• Build New Routines: Fill your days with engaging hobbies, volunteering, or social clubs to create new neural tracks. 

Finally, My Quote of the Day: