Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
|
|
Don Jimmy's final salute to Don Bernie
I was just going thru an old note book and came across the following promise that I made to my Dad during those very last days at his bedside. The
last request that he made of me was to pass on the following thought's to you that he had in regard to Bernie Swaim and his book " Bouncing Around
Baja". I apologize to both Pop and Bernie that I have taken so long in fulfilling my word that I would do so, but in fin, here it is:
And I quote Don Jimmy; "Wish I could have been there with Bernie Swaim when he was complying his latest book. Our friendship is less than a year old
and it is one of my regrets we did not meet years ago."
"Bernie Swaim is a rare individual indeed; His career as a policeman left him unscarred, a gentler, more compassionate soul is yet to be found and
Bernie's new book "Bouncing Around Baja" reflects this."
I must say; I certainly do concur with the Ol Man's opinion, we are most fortunate indeed to have Bernie's attitude and gentle humour about humanity
as reflected in his latest book about his adventures in Baja California. Thank You Bernie, for all the smiles you have brought me, Sara
|
|
|
Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Thank You Sara.
He was an inspiration to us All! Meeting him at the First Book signing brought about changes in my Life that I will be Beholden to him for the Rest of
Mine.
In the company of Jimmy,Bernie,Mike was an Honor not forgotten.
At the Hotel Marina one day, his name was brought up by a Lady named"Earlene". She told me of connection to Jimmy and led me to "The Prayer of Jabez"
and further information about writing.
Will you Please check and see if you might come up with an email or Address of this beautiful Lady. ?
She was in the company of her Husband, on a 52Ft. yacht and I beleive she was teaching Writing somewhere in Michgan.
Thank You.
Skeet Haggerton
|
|
|
GeoRock
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 3-7-2003
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Always have one
|
|
Although I too, have only had the privilage of knowing Don Bernie for a short time, I concur wholeheartedly with Don Jimmy's assessment of this good
man.
It is a pleasure and an honor to know you, Bernie.
|
|
|
jeans
Super Nomad
Posts: 1059
Registered: 9-16-2002
Member Is Offline
Mood: Encantada
|
|
Bernie has also been very generous to the animals of the Santiago Zoo.
|
|
|
Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
|
|
Two Legends
Don Jimmy was and is a Baja Legend. Everyone knows and agrees with that. He took all of us to a place we long to be -- by use of his words, his
works and his kindness of heart.
Bernie Swaim is also a Baja Legend. His gentlemanly approach and loving ways are felt by any and all who surround him. His story-telling skills are
second to none. He is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Knowing Bernie, he's probably sitting at his computer, drinking a cerveza, and saying something like:
"Dammit, Tim, how could you even mention me and Don Jimmy in the same breath? I'm not worthy to hold this man's ballpoint pen!"
Believe me, Bernie, you are more than worthy. You are truly a Legend.
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64493
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Bernie Swaim es mi amigo!
A kinder, more thoughtful gentleman would be hard to find.
Bernie has recently come to the Baja Internet which has expanded his personal connections and peninsula knowledge that Bernie then shares with us...
in his posts and his two great books... with more to come!
I know Bernie to be very generous, as well... He is helping Jimmy's wife Lupe with continued sales of Jimmy's book. Bernie is also helping Fred
Hoctor's wife retire the hospital bill, and there is more...
I value the times we have met and look forward to future times around the campfire or the computer.
Thank you Bernie!
|
|
|
Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
|
|
Don Jimmy
Eerie,
That is the word that keeps jumping in front of all of the confusing thoughts that are now tumbling around in my head. Vision blurred with my heart
singing at Don Jimmy?s words. Words that I thought had been swallowed up in the turmoil of his passing. The last thing he said to me was, ?Bernie
boy! I read some of your ?Bouncing? last night and it?s a goodun. I?m going back home and write a review of your book for the board (Baja Nomad)
that will knock your socks off.?
Then I watched you and your dad, you both looking so lost and alone at the Airport, as you waited in line to board on what we all knew would be Don
Jimmy?s last flight home.
Goose bumps and chills run up and down my arms at his words!
Thank you all for the wonderfully exaggerated words. To be labeled a Legend is a bit much but I am sitting here with a very large smile on my face at
the thought.
David paints to generous a picture when he says that I am helping Dona Lupe and Sylvia Hoctor. I am selling their husbands books on my website with
all of the proceeds going to them because, as I keep saying ?Baja IS about People Helping People.? AND Jimmy and Fred both helped me with writing my
books.
For those of you new to this board, and perhaps to Baja, you just might get a kick out of reading Jimmy Smith?s, ?The Grinning Gargoyle Spills the
Beans? or Fred Hoctor?s, ?Baja HaHa.? Both of these are great books that expose you to some of the real Baja People of old. And if you buy them you
will become involved in ?Baja People Helping People.?
I always thing of your dad when I read this---No piensen que estoy tan Viejo; lo que tengo es mal cuidado.
Gracias for the wonderful words.
[Edited on 5-14-2004 by Baja Bernie]
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
|
|
|
Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
|
|
Don Bernie, There are many of us who know that You are a unique and wonderful Soul. Certainly, I am pleasantly surprised to see others on this board
concur with Dad's and my perspective and recognise your true value as a humane being, and certainly, You deserve all the praise in the world for your
kind gentle heart. I am sure that what I read here is just the tip of all the esteem & respect that your actions have generated over the years, Que
Dios Te Bendiga.
Skeet, thank you for your kind thoughts, if I run across an address for "Earlene", I will be sure and forward it to you. Pop always spoke of you with
great affection.
Well, I know heart and soul that Dad is by my side chuckling and nodding his head in approval that his and everyone's praise for Bernie is finally out
in the world where it belongs.
Wishing Passion and Paz to You all, Sara
|
|
|
Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
Member Is Offline
|
|
Eli,
Just how is Dona Lupe doing?
Does she have what she needs?
As we (Mike H. Ma and I learned last summer) everyone in town knew and loved Jimmy and I'm sure that they are probably taking very good care of her,
but, if she does need anything, I hope that you will not hesitate to post the need here.....I'm sure that everyone that can help would feel it an
honor to do so.
|
|
|
Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
|
|
Well Debra,
Other than a broken heart, which only time will heal, and that time will do, Dona Lupe is doing o.k., working out widowhood as her culture dictates,
her physical needs are taken care of by several sources; the store does fine, she receives revenues from Dad's books, she has 2 good and loving son's
that check on her needs every single day.
Ah but, what really does her heart good, is for anyone that knew Dad or the stories he told, and is coming down the road anyway, to stop by her little
store and pass on their respects and tell her they know about the history of the Courtship of Don Jimmy and Dona Lupe, doesn't matter if one doesn't
speak a lick of Spanish, she will get it, and that will pull up a smile on her face and do her as much good as anything possibly could.
|
|
|
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
