Bruno A. Schildmeyer Tribute

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I was privileged to have know Bruno through the United Singles for the last 3 years. I often shared a table with him and Helen. When he found out that we both spoke German, he tried and recollected much of our mother-tongue. Unfortunately, he spoke very low and partially because of his missing teeth and my old ears, it was hard to understand him. I often guessed at what language he was using and there was a lot of "ja, ja" on my part. One day, he looked at me and said: "You have no idea what I just said", and I replied "You are absolutely right".
I appreciated his kind and gentle spirit, and his unwavering strength to make light of his suffering. I saw him in the hospital, where I volunteer, while he was going through Chemo, but he never once complained. It must be a German thing. My German mother called it "the inner corset".
In any case, I felt privileged to have known him, and I am sure, he looked down on us all today and smiled.

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intellingent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded." - Copy to Clipboard

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson