Last
year the notices that I put together for the lodge were pretty light. There
wasn’t much information that needed to be relayed each month and there were
even times when I had to find content to fill some of the empty space left
after all updates were included. This month that was definitely not the case
and given what is on the horizon, I don’t expect to have any ‘light’ notices
this year.
In
addition to two petitioners being listed (the first in quite some time), the
passing of a brother, and the full calendar of events to begin the year there
was also a portion of the notice dedicated to the raising of our dues. This is
a democracy and everyone has a vote so everyone needs to be informed before the
meeting. This was all before I put in the Worshipful Master’s brief message and
I wrote my rather long letter to the brethren.
It took
some work to make everything fit together but, in the end, the notice was
completed and put in the mail last night along with a few dues cards for some
brothers who sent in late checks. But while I write this and thing about all
that has to be done and the event that have happened and that will be happening
at the lodge, I am also reflecting on the day itself. Today is one of
reflection for a couple of reasons for me.
Today
is actually International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Honestly, it had slipped
my mind until I looked at the calendar this morning. However, I think I knew
that this was the day as I am finally returning to the work that I created
years ago. It is something that I dread reading but also take pride in its
completion. Similar feelings that simmer in me on this day. Today is one when
we not only remember in sorrow the lives lost but we also should rejoice in the
simple fact that we survived. And while the world is far from perfect, we are a
part of it and we are thriving in today’s society as a people.
And
that joy is only matched by the fact that I am able to look back in my own life
and celebrate that singular moment of surprise when I proposed to my wife on
this day in 2007. While the store may no longer be there, the images and
memories that we have will always remain vivid and the evening, having picked
up my grandmother from the house and taken her to dinner to celebrate, is a
great moment that makes me smile every time… especially when I recall telling
my grandmother that she wasn’t allowed to kick until after the wedding (which
was two and a half years from that day). Her smile in response is just one of
many smiles that I will always remember.
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