When I left my Northern Virginia home in June 2024, it was to create my chip lab. My departure reminds me of William Shockley's telegram to his mother, May, sometime in the early 1950s.
Dear May,
To bring you up to date, I am planning to leave the Washington job. I am also leaving Bell Labs. Currently, it is my intention to start a company of my own.
Sincerely,
William
In three concise sentences, Shockley broke his mother's heart. Immediately, May writes back: William, your letter filled me with sadness and helplessness. But be assured—always, you have my loyalty, sympathy, and affection, and never any questions asked.
My loyalty and affection, and never any questions asked. My Mother said that, the night before my flight to San Jose Airport; an explorer, without a map; my eyes, wet; a crumpled-up wad of signatures in my left hand; an empty room 402 in a village hotel, awaiting my residency.
I am grateful to my Mother, and Father, because I know my non-conservative decisions have put them through hell.