The Jiron's Almost 60 Year Love Story

Wise men say only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you

Elvis, "Can't Help Falling in Love"

The year was 1961, Ted Jiron was working for the Los Angeles County Engineering Department when he decided to join a bowling league with some of his coworkers. Arlene Cruz had recently decided to move from Bakersfield to Los A with some of her friends. These three Bakersfield women  also decided to join a Bowling League and dragged Arlene along. Once a week, in a smoky room with squeaky rented bowling shoes the Jiron romance blossomed.

Arlene was working at an ice plant on Alemeda street and Ted's job for the county was only a few blocks away. Working only blocks apart, bowling dates turned into lunch dates. Ted spent every spare moment courting Arlene.

Tragedy struck as their courtship progressed and Arlene lost her job. She confessed to Ted that without work she would soon be moving back to Bakersfield. Ted realized he could not live another day without Arlene and immediately asked for her hand in marriage. Before Arlene officially said yes, she brought Ted to Bakersfield to meet the Cruz clan.

After a few whirlwind months, Ted sat across from her imposing father, Grandpa Carl at the family home in East Bakersfield and asked for Arlene's hand.  On November 11th 1961 Judge Noriega married Ted Jiron and Arlene Cruz inside of her childhood home.



After almost six decades the Jiron family has grown beyond their 3 children Teddy Jiron, Gina Hertz and Joey Jiron; later Ted became "Papo" to 9 grandchildren (Genine, Chris, Tawny, Nick, Jake, Sydney, Joey, Annette, Molly) and 8 great grand children (Anjel, Inara, Nathan, Jett, Jax, Susie, River, Cali).

After they retired Ted and Arlene and their cockapoo Taffy moved to the Rio Bravo Country Club. They stayed busy with their grandchildren, church and playing golf. For many years together they coordinated Eucharistic ministers at St. Joseph's church.

With my grandmother by his side today my grandfather Ted Jiron took his last breathe. I went back and reread this story that they both helped me write almost 10 years ago.  I am amazed that in a dark smoke filled bowling alley Ted Jiron saw my grandma and just knew. The certainty and degree to which he loved my grandma inspires me even on this dark day.