Classical
Premium Member
I have not participated in the discussions for a while. I have enjoyed being a part of things here as I progress on my masonic journey of discovery. But my life has taken an unexpected turn. In April, my wife started feeling very sick. Within the week they saw signs of liver failure. It was cancer. By May 1st, she was gone. She was 43 years old and we have two children.
So here I am, getting ready to be raised a Master Mason next week and my wife is gone. My family is doing okay and we are surrounded by many loving, courageous people. But, in a moment, it can all change. Those whom you love can be taken away, that in which you placed your trust can leave you. I am learning this hard lesson each day.
Why post this here? Well, many of you are acquainted with loss and you have become my conversation partners over these last six months. Also, I have found the lessons of the first two degrees vital to my survival through this horror. Many a night was spent reciting the lectures as I faced helplessness and despair.
My brothers in the lodge told me I could wait for the MM degree, but I responded that I needed this now more than ever. So, I'll go to my raising with a heart of grief and yet filled with peace. After all, what is Freemasonry, if it not a series of inner journeys that link us with brothers past and future in our consolation of a heavenly home?
Anyway, thanks for reading and for the conversations. I look forward to our continuing work together.
So here I am, getting ready to be raised a Master Mason next week and my wife is gone. My family is doing okay and we are surrounded by many loving, courageous people. But, in a moment, it can all change. Those whom you love can be taken away, that in which you placed your trust can leave you. I am learning this hard lesson each day.
Why post this here? Well, many of you are acquainted with loss and you have become my conversation partners over these last six months. Also, I have found the lessons of the first two degrees vital to my survival through this horror. Many a night was spent reciting the lectures as I faced helplessness and despair.
My brothers in the lodge told me I could wait for the MM degree, but I responded that I needed this now more than ever. So, I'll go to my raising with a heart of grief and yet filled with peace. After all, what is Freemasonry, if it not a series of inner journeys that link us with brothers past and future in our consolation of a heavenly home?
Anyway, thanks for reading and for the conversations. I look forward to our continuing work together.