Positive Health Online

Bermuda – Another World

Sometimes, we meet a special person who embodies true wisdom in stature, demeanour, character, spoken words and daily actions. It was my good fortune to meet Mr. Clayton Simmons in Bermuda, on my recent cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Bermuda on the Costa Magica. The cruise could not be described as one of the best I have experienced as the quality and preparation of the food left a lot to be desired. However, it was worth the trip to visit Bermuda and the bonus was meeting a very special human being.

When we got off the ship docked at The Royal Dockyard, my eyes immediately focused on a man who stood out from all the other taxi drivers. I approached him and asked if he would kindly be our driver and guide for the day. He replied he would be delighted to oblige. There were four people in our party: my wife and our friends, an eighty-two year young doctor and his wife. When we got in the taxi Mr. Simmons told us he would be seventy-eight years young in May. He went on to say he loves himself and because he does, he will not risk his life by reckless driving, so we can all relax, rest assured of a carefree enjoyable day, exploring his beautiful home island of Bermuda.

Mr. Simmons and Michael outside the smallest church in Bermuda

On our tour that lasted for seven hours, he took us to all the places tourists visit: Hamilton, St Georges, the Botanical gardens, the lighthouse and the homes of the rich and famous. We stopped at magnificent empty beaches without any human footprints. Crystal clear turquoise water gently lapped upon the shores edge. Travelling alongside bay after bay of tranquility, bathed in glorious sunshine, with the narration of a man who knows the name of every plant, tree, flower, flora and fauna.  One red leafy bush that stands out in my mind is, Match-me-if-you-can. It is said to have medicinal properties.

Along our journey, many drivers honked their horns and called out Mr. Simmon’s name as they passed by. He called them all Rocky. It is a name he gave all the drivers on the Island and it has stuck. When we were in Hamilton, the drivers treated us like royalty. They said we had struck lucky getting Mr. Simmons to drive us round the island. Praise indeed from other island folks who recognize and acknowledge a true free spirit.

Even Gardeners busy digging stopped to talk to Mr. Simmons as he pulled alongside them and spoke in Portuguese for a few moments. Many times he would say proudly, "They Called me Mr. Simmons" He was not boasting; rather he was acknowledging he is making a difference in their joy of life. Along our route, he stopped to speak to schoolchildren as well as the old and infirm. Everyone was his brother or sister embraced in love of his life on earth.

Mr. Simmons depicts joy of life in everything he says and does. He has been given an award by the Queen of England, for visiting sick people in hospital and hospices for the past nineteen years. He will also tell you he had no education to speak of. As a young man he ran away to sea and was a rascal. He will recite all the places in the world that locked him up for a short period of time to cool down. In the early nineteen-sixties, he found God and that turned his life around. Although he believes Jesus Christ is his lord and  saviour; he respects everyone, religious or not, as long as they have good intent towards other people. His golden rule is to treat everyone, as you would like to be treated.

Along our route, he pointed out every church. I think Bermuda has more churches per square mile than Rome. Occasionally, he would burst into a joyful hymn; if we did not know the words we would hum along with him. His voice was sweet and mellow; every note was in harmony with his maker. Yes in-deed, Mr. Simmons is a kind, meek man, who has inherited the spirit of Bermuda and is willing to share God's grace with everyone he meets and greets.

All the people of Bermuda we encountered are friendly and treat you as a close neighbour or long lost relative. There are many wealthy people who live in Bermuda but none more prosperous in the richness of life than Mr. Simmons, for he truly has found out money cannot buy happiness. It can only be found in the wisdom of a free spirited soul...

God bless you Mr. Simmons … long may you reign supreme in all you observe and celebrate, in the beautiful paradise island of Bermuda.

If you are planning a visit to Bermuda and would like to contact Mr. Clayton Simmons, feel free to send me an email and I will gladly send you his phone number.