Showing posts with label The Story Teller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Story Teller. Show all posts

May 8, 2016

Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. ~ The Story Teller: Christine

Ben & Christine
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
ca 1948
photographer unknown




Christine

How did a person like myself ever get so lucky to find a Greek Goddess like Christine? I’m a better person because of her. For me it was a marvelous time; it was a time to learn what is true love. She spoke in a gentle voice; she was gentle and very lovable.

When I first saw her I had a warm feeling and deep affection for her. She had a beautiful appearance; she was enjoyable to be with. I told her, “You’re forever on my mind and in my heart.” It’s amazing how love can transform your life forever. Without her love I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Her love is my most treasured gift.

Christine manuscript
by Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. 
photo by Styrous®
 

She was like no other person I have ever known. Christine had so much knowledge; She spoke Greek and could read it; she also spoke and read Spanish. I knew we would be married in time. Our marriage was a happy one. We were married in Washoe, Nevada. Christine never asked anything of any one but true friendship. All who knew her loved her as a charming lady but above all, a true friend.

Among Christine’s many attractions, she was a professional dancer and singer. Due to the fact that I did not dance, she never danced with anybody else ever. I have regretted that the rest of my life. She was just so marvelous and very attractive.

Christine manuscript
by Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. 
photo by Styrous®

Among her many accomplishments, she was a master chef; when she baked bread, the family would wait at the table with butter and knife in hand. There’s nothing like oven-baked bread. Christine would like to browse through her cookbooks at her leisure making mental notes of new recipes she would like to try.

Did you know that Christine was a nurse as well as a wielder at the San Francisco shipyards during the war [WW2]? In time we bought a home in San Francisco, California. After a time we had children; our life was complete. There was so much happiness at our home; we were very comfortable. All total we had four beautiful boys.

Christine manuscript
by Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. 
photo by Styrous®

We worked hard to build our dreams. I couldn’t imagine living any other life than the one we’d planned. What I enjoy in life was Christine and our children. I never grew tired of telling Christine how much I loved her. She was such a beauty.

I spent most of my time with the boys; Max, Steve, John and ken, were special, each boy in his own way. All our sons grew up to be gentlemen thanks to Christine. They were all mild and kindly. We are so proud of our sons, all of them. I have spent a lifetime in schooling. 

There’s one regret and that is when we lost John; he was 27 years old when he left us. He was a gifted guitarist, but above all, he was kind hearted to one and all. Oh, how he could make you laugh.

I have a brother; his name is Jim. He was sent to Germany and I was sent to Korea. I have two sisters, Sally and Lucy. I love them all. 

I have two granddaughters, one is Julia who we were grateful to have for time. She was a delightful child she was my son Steve's daughter. And there was lovely Sarah. Their mother is Fancine who is very dear to us. 

When they were 15 and 16, our grandchildren, Marcel and J. R., moved back to their mother in Eugene, Oregon.

Christine has been at my side always, to the very end. She captured my heart with her very first smile and continued to amaze me with each new day. Oh, how I loved her so.

Now, to all my family and friends, thank you for being true and faithful. From the bottom of my heart, love and hope is yours always. 

Time is running out for me, I hope to find Christine and John.

Affectionately yours, your story teller
                        Ben - November, 2013



Christine manuscript
by Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. 
photo by Styrous®



Ben died 2 years ago on May 12, 2014, 
but The Story Teller lives on




Bernard E. Simonson, Jr.            
Christine K. Simonson              
John Gilbert Simonson




Styrous® ~ Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016 

May 28, 2014

Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. ~ The Story Teller: The Elephant



 The Elephant

My experience in Africa was unbelievable and unexpected. The elephant runs wild. They keep the babies in the midst of the heard to protect them. It is well known that the hunters kill the elephants for the ivory tusks. The rhinoceros is also on the hunters list for their horns. That is why it was necessary, under the circumstances, to form a police force to protect them. We refer to them as Rangers; they have an arrangement of official standing. They are indispensable in Africa.

After a short time we found a dead rhino. One of of the rangers said, “I don’t understand it, he was not shot. This is the third one so far that I found. All the horns were intact. It is puzzling; this is a complex problem.”

Then one day as I was walking, I stopped when I saw a young bull elephant attacking a rhino. I shot in the air, the rhino ran off. The young bull elephant was very rowdy. He looked at me, shook his head and moved on. I never experienced anything like this, ever. I was very confused. Why did he attack him? Then it hit me, they were like children with no guidance.

We relocated the elephants back with the young ones. Now they will teach them how to behave. Behaviour is a must for all young ones. Don’t you agree?

The Story Teller




Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. - The Elephant ©2013



Styrous® ~ Wednesday, May 28, 2014

May 12, 2014

Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. ~ The Story Teller: A Joyous Journey











November 25, 1932 ~ May 12, 2014










                                      Bernard E. Simonson, Jr.
                                                  circa 1946 
                                           photo booth photo





A Joyous Journey

It all started when I met Christine; she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. She was pleasing to look at; she took my breath away. Needless to say, in time we were going together. What is so amazing was how much we loved each other. We were married in Nevada. Christine was the light of my life. She was at my side for 62 years. She will have my undying love 'til the very end.

We had four wonderful children and many great grand children. Good parenting is a matter of how firmly rooted you are in the soil of common sense. There are few gifts greater then friendship and with love, patience and gentle guidance we can help our children attain this treasure. The joy of my life is my family. In the beginning until the end it was a wonderful experience to grow up with them. Happiness is sharing with the ones you love. Most of us can endure providing we have a loved one at our side; I did.

What is important? Respect, consideration and a strong feeling for others. The loveliest person I know is my wife Christine. What a beauty. At the beginning I knew she was for me. We were always together; our feelings grew more each day. Soon we could read each other's mind. Her voice was very soothing. I never stopped loving her. She is part of me; the best part now and forever. It's amazing that love can transform your life forever. Without your love, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

I can recall a time when the boys and I went together to the zoo on a Sunday. "That's marvelous having a lion and a monkey in the same cage." said one of the boys. "How do they get along?" "Okay." usually answered the zookeeper. "Occasionally they have a disagreement and we have to get a new monkey."

~ The Story Teller                .




This was his last story 





  
A Joyous Journey manuscript
by Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. ©2014
photos by Styrous®



In loving memory








Styrous® ~ Monday, May 12, 2014

Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. ~ The Story Teller

~
Christine                
              
mentions:            
The Coasters ~ Yakety Yak         
Christine K. Simonson         
John Gilbert Simonson                           
              




Bernard E. Simonson, Jr. - ca 1950 
 photographer unknown