DR. CHRIS CRUZ-BOONE
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  • Home
    • Vision
    • Background
    • CCB in the News
    • Leadership Experience
    • Schedule 2023
    • Donate
  • Professor
    • Publications
    • Leadership
    • Profession Development
    • Awards
  • Small Group Communication
    • Week One Checklist
    • Contact me
    • Book
    • Class Ethics
    • Speeches
  • Yoga
    • About CCB
    • The Iyengar Method
    • Past Yoga Events
  • Blog
    • Game In Place Podcast
    • Camino de Santiago 2019
    • 100 Days of Gaming

Blog

The musings of an academic geek yogi 

The Jiron's Almost 60 Year Love Story

4/22/2020

3 Comments

 

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.

3 Comments
Nadine Escalante
4/22/2020 10:00:06 pm

What a beautiful love story they had! I never knew they were married that long. Truly the sweetest couple I ever met. I’m so honored to know your grandfather through my family. He was always a kind gentleman & clearly so in love! I remember seeing them holding hands often. God Bless him as he enjoys life in Heaven.

Reply
Brenda Ferguson Watson
4/22/2020 10:57:17 pm

Chris, what a beautiful and precious love story. I didn’t know your grandparents. I know from your sweet story that you loved them. And that is just perfect.

Reply
Cheryl Weinmann
4/24/2020 11:24:39 pm

I knew your Grandpa was sick. so sorry for your loss. He was always your special grandpa who helped you every time you needed it, and even let you live with him for a while. This will not be an easy loss for you Chris (and Genine). I'm glad that he knew the hope of heaven and that he was such a man of faith. He has been an excellent model for you in life. We will pray for God's peace and comfort to surround you in your time of grief. Call me to talk.

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