More Stories of Life and Tales of the Korean War

By Edward John Mastronardi

The tales in parts one and two are a continuation of those found in the authors book Stories of Life and Tales of the Korean War, dealing with the human condition in peace and war. Although fictionalized, in general, as in the first book, the stories that follow are largely based on observation and, sometimes, shocking reality. A few in part one are highly imaginative, perhaps appearing to a reader as adult fairy tales.

The motivation for writing part two was a stirring article the author read entitled Swifty written by Chuck Yeager, a well-known and respected retired US general, and is referred to in its epilogue. The stories presented here, although written in a fictionalized format, are largely based on the experiences and actions involving real people and events.

The subject matter is not always nice or inspirational, neither is life or war. It would be surprising if readers are unable to find elements in some stories relevant to their own experiences in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524545314

Edward John Mastronardi

Edward Mastronardi spent eighteen years in the three Canadian military services (the navy, the army, and the air force), four years in the Canadian aerospace industry, followed by twenty-one years working for the Canadian federal government. He earned the Military Cross for Valor by Great Britain, investiture into the Order of Saint George, the Canadian Forces Decoration in Canada, and the Order of Military Merit by the Republic of Korea, its highest military award for valor and courage. Now retired, he is also the author of Government Policy-Making and Issue Management in 1988, Mock the Haggard Face: A Canadian War Story in 2014, Dancing around the Hill in 2015, and Stories of Life in January 2016.

Book preview

Part 1

Tales of the Human Experience Present and Past

Chapter 1

Rusty! A Man’s Best Friend

Robert Delaney, a long time serving middle aged Government Forest Ranger, sat disconsolately in his veterinary friend, Gerald Proctor’s Fraser Village office, awaiting impatiently to hear what was ailing his great companion and friend, Rusty, a thirteen year old ‘Lassie’ type American breed Collie. Seeing the look on his friend’s face when he left his animal examination room clearly indicating something was seriously wrong with his dearest friend since his wife, the eldest sister of Proctor, had passed away two years past.

Proctor, sitting in a chair, facing his friend since their college days said, Bob I’m afraid I have very bad news for you. The reason Rusty is having trouble moving his hind legs is because he’s full of cancer.

Alarmed Delaney responded, Oh damn it to hell no! Just like my Rhonda. Is there anything you can do to help him Gerry?

I’m afraid not old friend except trying reducing his suffering, unfortunately that would only be a temporary relief. For the animal’s sake you should agree to have me put him down to stop his intense pain which will only become worse. It’s the only caring thing to do, Bob, the sooner the better for your dog.

Alright Doc let’s do it. I just want to say goodbye to him.

Going into the examination room saw his beloved friend half sitting half standing from his pain, whimpered piteously as Delaney put his arms around the beautiful animal’s neck saying teary-eyed as he rubbed Rusty’s ears for the last time, Farewell my old friend. then quickly left.

Driving his open backed truck from the village to his forest surrounded well constructed log cabin home he helped his father build years earlier, he unashamedly wept, having agreed to the merciful ending of his best friend and companion’s life, his dog Rusty. He sadly recalled their happy times walking together through the dense woods on his illegal hunting prevention patrols, especially at sunset during all the seasons.

Happy were the nights when his beautiful Collie would settle down beside his master’s big chair sharing the evening with him. Rusty greatly enjoyed having his ears and tummy rubbed during these special moments. He was always on the alert when the wolves inhabiting the adjacent forest area would howl at the rising of a full moon, on hearing the shuffling sounds made by black bears at night around the front of the cabin searching for food. Very territorial protective minded, Rusty regularly patrolled the large heavily gated fenced area in the back protecting the large fruit treed and vegetable garden providing its rich variety of produce for daily meals, also saved for winter meal use in a small unheated storage room constructed off the back of the kitchen for that purpose.

Personal tragedy wasn’t a new experience for the multi talented work skilled forest ranger who, in addition to having graduated in Forest Products Engineering, had Learned a number of valuable manual skills from his father. Both his parents had died in a night time collision with a logging truck while they were returning from a party celebrating the birthday of a close friend. Their deaths left Robert and his newly acquired Collie puppy, he had named Rusty, alone until Delaney married the eldest sister of Gerald Proctor, the attractive looking, ebullient Rhonda.

Regarding benefits of working skills and experience, Delaney remembered his father once saying, Robert, let’s say my job as a Ranger is our meat and potatoes, whereas my manual skills, providing additional income for the family, is the gravy. These skills, valued by the people in the surrounding area, he had passed on to his son Robert, their value amply illustrated by the impressive comfortable four roomed log cabin home they had built together.

At suppertime he automatically started filling Rusty’s large bowl with the only brand of meal his dog liked, calling, Come on Rusty, time for your supper. then suddenly stopped, choking back tears saying, Why on earth am I doing this? Rusty’s gone! About to throw the bowl in the large garbage can in the kitchen stopped, walked over to the storage room door, put the bowl on a shelf inside, retrieving a half gallon jug of high alcohol proof apple cider he had prepared at the end of the last fall season. Turning on his radio to a popular music station, Robert Delaney, sitting at his kitchen table, got royally drunk, something he rarely did. After toasting his departed friend at least a dozen times, he ended up falling asleep face down on the kitchen table.

Waking up at first light in the morning with a splitting headache, slowly raising his still impressive fifty year old, average height muscular body from his chair, painfully made his way to the bathroom. Grimacing on seeing the unshaven condition in the bathroom mirror of what could normally described as a handsome face, while combing his head of greying chestnut colored hair said ruefully to his bleary eyed image, Robert Delaney, that was a damn fool thing you did last night. Rusty’s gone and stupidly drinking like that won’t bring him back so get on with your life.

After shaving, a cold shower, dressing and a quick breakfast decided to visit a large creek nearby where it had been reported to him some illegal traps had been laid at the base of a beaver dam. Making himself a thick ham sandwich and flask of coffee, retrieving his thirty calibre lever action rifle from the weapons’ filled locked case on the wall above his fireplace, set out on the mile journey to the creek. While on route, he decided on returning, checking for the availability of dead trees suitable for firewood for use in his large stone fireplace during the coming winter. On reaching the creek, not finding any traps he listlessly retraced his steps finally locating large dead tree ideally suited for firewood not far from his log cabin.

That evening deciding to retire early catching up on his lost sleep after his previous night’s drinking episode, about to get into his bed when the phone rang, Picking it up, yawning said, Hello whose calling?

Bob, it’s Shirley Proctor. I’ve just driven up from Edmonton and Gerry told me about poor Rusty. First my sister and now Rusty, you must be heartbroken.

Yes Shirley, it was a real kick in the rear. Your brother did all he could for the old fellow but the cancer was too far advanced.

Would you like me to come over, Bob? she asked sympathetically.

Thanks Shirley not tonight. I stupidly got loaded last night and had a busy day checking out an illegal beaver trap report up at Foster’s creek.

How about tomorrow then Bob? It’s Saturday so I’ll be there before noon and make you a lunch like Rhonda used to do.

That will be fine Shirley I’ll really appreciate that. Is Frank with you?

Him? No Bob, that’s all over, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you tomorrow.

Shirley, Gerald Proctor’s youngest sister, petite vivacious thirty five year old with naturally curly light brown colored hair, had foolishly fallen in love and married Frank Stevens a handsome amoral stock promoter, gambler and womanizer. Despite his chronic unfaithfulness, in a way he loved her and she inexplicably loved him, always accepting him back despite warnings from her brother and concerned friends including her eldest sister Rhonda before her premature death. Like Gerald, Shirley loved animals often helping her bachelor brother in his clinic staying with him during the times she and her husband had separated.

Always punctual, Shirley arrived at Delaney’s home shortly before ten the following morning. After giving him a friendly kiss with a warm embrace said smiling, Great heavens Bob, you and this place look like a real mess. You go and shave yourself properly while I tidy up for you.

Look Shirley you don’t have to do that, I…

Cutting him off Shirley said firmly, Robert Delaney off you go to the bathroom right now!

Smiling he replied, O’K! OK! I’m on my way.

Later when he returned to the kitchen finding Shirley had prepared a fresh pot of coffee and bacon and egg sandwiches. Seeing Delaney dressed in a new plaid shirt rolled up at the sleeves and a new pair of dark blue Jeans Shirley Proctor whistled then said, Robert Delaney, now you might even pass as looking handsome.

Embarrassed but pleased with her remark replied, Shirley, I’m afraid you’re the only good looking thing around here now that Rusty’s gone.

Standing up she moved around the table behind his chair, putting her arms around his broad shoulders, saying, I know it’s a terrible loss Bob, I know how much you loved the dog and he loved you. Time heals dear friend.

Folding his arms over hers replied, I know Shirley but it won’t be easy. Now enough about me. What is it with you and Frank? You sounded over the phone like it was really final this time?

Sitting back in her chair, Shirley spent the next hour explaining her situation. Now there was no doubt as to the finality of her marriage with Stevens. This time he had succeeded in making one of his recent lady loves pregnant, a young naive girl barely out of her teens who subsequently had met with Shirley pleading with her to let him go. Shirley sympathizing with the young woman agreed, telling her husband it was definitely over between them, contacting a lawyer suing for a divorce. The problem was Frank had no intention marrying the girl wanting Shirley to forgive him, cancel the divorce action, taking him back once again which she adamantly refused to do.

She finished saying, Bob, my problem is Frank has no intention marrying the poor thing and wants me to forgive him again and take him back which I just won’t do.

Well Shirley if that’s the problem you’re doing the right thing which I know will be fully supported by your brother as well as by me. Delaney answered.

Starting to quietly cry she replied, Unfortunately Bob that’s not the only problem. He said that if he can’t have he’ll make sure no other man ever will.

That’s only crazy talk Shirley, he hasn’t the nerve doing something as desperate as that. If he’s stupid enough causing you that kind of trouble my girl, you can be sure your brother and Robert Delaney will take care of it.

That may not be so easy Bob, he’s a gambler often with lots of money on him carrying a gun in a shoulder holster for protection. In his present frame of mind if you or my brother do anything to try and stop him, you both could end up being shot.

Drying up her tears with a serviette Delaney responded, I can’t believe he has the nerve to even try not with your brother and I being the two best shots in this entire area and he knows it. Frank’s mindless threats are only dramatic nonsense. However, If he threatens you again let us as well as the police know! We’ll make sure the stupid son of a bitch doesn’t hurt anyone else except himself.

On the brighter side Bob, Gerry tells me that Vet society has qualified me as a Veterinary assistant and with Gerry’s help and less than two years on the Vet university course I could qualify as a Vet surgeon if I agree to do it.

That is good news Shirley. Congratulations!

Bob, I have to go now. I promised to help Gerry this afternoons with some of the animals being brought in for a check up, I’ll come back in time to cook your supper in case you’re dumb enough repeating what you did the other night. Should that happen you’ll have me joining you.

Very funny Shirley. I promised to do some repair work for the Ladson’s this afternoon. I should be back before five. In any case I’ll leave the door open.

When Delaney returned late in the afternoon he found his supper waiting for him prepared by very eye appealing attractively dressed smiling Shirley Proctor. After taking off his work clothes, showering, dressing again in his jeans and plaid shirt joined Shirley at the table. Following supper, retrieving a full bottle of cider from the storage room, poured each other a drink.

Sipping out of her glass making a wry face Shirley commented, Good heavens Bob, no wonder you became stoned the other night, your cider is very potent. I’m not complaining mind you it tastes great, just fine for seducing innocent young ladies but I’m not an innocent young lady.

Laughing, Delaney played a CD featuring a number of favorite popular ballads written and sung in the forties.

On hearing the venerable Frank Sinatra sing ‘I’ll Never Smile Again’, Shirley stood up saying, Come on Bob, dance with me.

Pleasantly surprised Delaney quickly did, dancing not only to that number but the others that followed finishing with ‘Embraceable You’. Looking down into her eyes he kissed her saying, You know Shirley, you’re not going home tonight!

Kissing him back Shirley, her voice warmly passionate replied, I never intended to. pointing to a small overnight case she had left by the door holding what she needed for her stay.

This is wonderful Shirley dear, what will your brother think?

When I told him what I intended to do Gerry only smiled saying, Well, with Bob it’s all in the family."

Later that night lying contentedly in each other’s arms Shirley said to him, That was incredible Bob, for me it’s been quite awhile.

Kissing her he replied, For me also, Shirley.

The truth is Bob I really wanted you, Rhonda got to you first. Yes, I stupidly let myself fall in love with Frank, he seemed so excitedly different. I kept allowing him coming back to me, refusing to accept the fact I had made such a mindless mistake, thankful he didn’t make me pregnant. What a fool I was!

She suddenly sat upright startled by the howling of a neighbouring wolf pack at the rising of a full moon, asking her bed partner, "Are they