Christmas, 2017 Greeting!

Planned Celebration of Life in April!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Christmas, 2017 Greeting!
 
12/17/2017
 
Hello, Everyone!
 
We all have some secrets about our past; and one of mine, such as it is, is that for the first 37 years of my life, my middle name was "Ferdinand."  Yup - I was referred to as Francis Ferdinand Bessler for the first 37 years of my life - tho originally I had a middle name of William.  When I found out that my birth name was Francis William Bessler, I was 36.  I do not know why, but Mom had an original birth certificate with her when she visited me when I was 36; and I was very surprised that an original birth certificate showed "Francis William Bessler."  As it turned out, Mom & Dad decided to change the middle name from "William" to "Ferdinand" when I was about 3 months old.  They did it because a great Grandpa on Mom's side was named Ferdinand; and they wanted to show some respect for ole Grampa by naming one of their kids after him.  Since I was expected to be the last of 7 kids at the time - in 1942 - they decided to change my middle name from William to Ferdinand.
 
But they never said anything about it until Mom showed me an original birth certificate when I was 36.  I waited a year and a half after finding out my first middle name was William; and then I went down to a local courthouse in Lakewood, Colorado - where I was living at the time - and had my middle name officially changed back to William from the later Ferdinand.
 
When I was growing up, however, I was called "Ferdinand, The Bull" by my siblings - after my middle name.  After my first name of Francis, I was called "Francis, The Talking Mule."  After my nickname of Sonny, I was called "Sonny, The Bunny;" and after my last name of Bessler, I was called "Bessy, The Cow."  It is no wonder, then, that I grew up thinking I was just another animal.
 
I won't go into why I changed my middle name from Ferdinand to William once I found out that originally I had been a William, but it was lot of fun being a Ferdinand.  Who wouldn't like to be named after a friendly bull called "Ferdinand"?  Right?
 
Be that as it may, there is a movie out now called "FERDINAND" - an animated film about good ole Ferdinand, The Bull.  Today, I intend to take my Love, Nancy, to see it.  It might even bring back some memories when once I was a Ferdinand.  Suppose?
 
Enough of all of that!  "Ferdinand" and Nancy would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas.  I (we) sent out a Christmas letter to some of family and friends a few days ago.  I'd like to share that letter below.  Like always, read it only if you have time and want to.  OK?  My letter talks about the Celebration of Life event that Nancy and I plan on next year - as well as offers to share a home made DVD Pictorial of 2017.  I will extend the offering to everyone who is reading this.  I can't imagine much interest in such a thing, but it never hurts to share where there is interest.  Right?
 
That's it for now!  Be in touch as you would like; and,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
Gently,
 
Francis William "Ferdinand" Bessler &
Nancy Shaw
www.una-bella-vita.com
 
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12/14/2017

 

Hello, Everyone!

 

       Nancy & I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas! and a Wonderful New Year!  We would also like to invite you to our planned Celebration of Life that we intend on holding here in Laramie on April 28th, 2018.  We realize that it is unrealistic for many of you to come - just as it would be unrealistic for us to attend a celebration you might hold; but still, know you are welcome.  OK?

       In truth, Nancy & I have been living together since her late husband and my good friend, Joce, passed in early 2012.  In March of next year, we will be starting our 7th year together; and for us, that is cause for a Celebration.  So, that is what our planned Celebration of Life on April 28th of next year is all about.  We do not know details at this time, but there will be some sort of ceremony at the local Trinity Lutheran Church, Nancy's Church.  Pastor Nathan Keith and Nancy & I will be working to put together a ceremony that fits the two of us, know what I mean?

       Nancy & I both believe that Life is Sacred and should be honored by all in their own respective ways.  So, honor and respect for the Great Gift of Life will be our focus in whatever we choose to do.  If you can, feel Welcome to join us.

 

       On another front, we would like to share a DVD pictorial of our year together in 2017.  Anyone who knows me knows that I take a lot of pictures.  I think I do that because pictures are a great source of learning for me; and it seems I never stop learning - or needing to learn - even if it is a same lesson that I have been learning since youth.  Pictures tell it for me like nothing else can!

       But not everyone cares for another's pictorial.  We realize that.  Thus, outside of close family, we are only "offering" to share our Pictorial of 2017.  If you would like a copy (about 1 hr, 40 min), we would be happy to send you one.  OK?  Some few of you will be getting a copy without prior request, but only a few.  Basically, if you are a sibling or a daughter or son of either Nancy or I, you are getting our pictorial.  If not, you will  have to ask for it.  OK?  Thanks!

 

       With that, we hope you have a Wonderful Christmas and just as Wonderful a New Year!  Be part of our Mystery Celebration of Life on April 28th if you want and can, but we know you will be there in spirit if you can't come in body; but do let us know if you plan to come - especially if you need directions.  OK?  Thanks Again!

 

       In the meantime, those of you who are receiving our Pictorial of 2017, enjoy it as you can.  My digital camera is only an average one.  So, don't expect more than fair.  Alright?  I do the best I can; but I know I could have always done better; but fair is good enough for me - and us.  How about you? 

       And speaking of "fair," I did write a good bit in 2017.  One of my efforts was a poem called HOME that we will share with you in passing.  Be in touch!  If you want a DVD Pictorial of our year of 2017, let us know; and if you can and want to attend our Celebration of Life on April 28th, let us know that too.

 

       Love to All!

 

       Gently,

 

       Nancy Shaw & Will (Frank) Bessler

       4500 Meadowlark Lane

       Laramie, Wyoming  82070

       307-742-7428; cell: 307-343-0018 (only sometimes active)

       willieb@wyoming.com

       www.una-bella-vita.com

 

    

 

 

 Home!

By

Francis William Bessler

August 24th and 28th, 2017

(First verse written August 24th,

Second verse written August 28th)

 

I'm here on Mother Earth

and I'm so glad that I am here.

I'm here on Mother Earth

to find the life I have is dear.

All I have to do is look at life

with opened eyes and heart

and know that if I do that,

it's the best way for me to start;

and as I start, I will continue on

and always love the life I own.

For sure, no matter where I go,

where I go will always be home.

 

It's not for me to think that Paradise

can only be found in some far-away land.

If God is truly everywhere, as I Believe,

then Paradise must always be at hand.

So let me go out a current front door

and wander where I will

and know that what I find will be Paradise

whether the weather is stormy or still.

I know not how life has come

or how it may eventually go.

But no matter how it comes or goes,

I know I will always be at home.