%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |
The Past Master's Jewel George passed down to me at the Installation of Officers in 1986 |
|
Normal practice was for each Mason, after completing his year as Worshipful Master (presiding officer) of his lodge, to receive a brand new Past Master's Jewel to show the thanks of his lodge bothers for putting forth the sometimes daunting effort it takes to fulfill the responsibilities of that office properly. In my case, though, the one I got had meaning that no brand new, shiny Past Masters Jewel could ever have for me. My stepfather then, George Hart, had been master of our lodge in 1971. The bond as father and son that we developed over the years was so meaningful and strong to both of us that it showed in many facets of our life. I think, for him, that included the fact that I had had such a deep and lasting love for his daughter, Linda, who was an epileptic. We were high school sweethearts, and I didn't let her seizures drive me away as they had so many of her friends. I was determined to stay and be a part of her life. And dad (George) and my stepmother Ginny, and Linda's younger sister Marcia had always appreciated that, even though Linda and I only had 11 1/2 years as man and wife before she passed away. I fully believe that dad wanted to show his appreciation for the man I had become, having watched me grow up himself since I was 17, and to show me the depth of his love for me as the son he had never had. I believe those were his reasons for having my name engraved beneath his, and passing his personal Past Master's Jewel down to me, as his son rather than seeing me get a new one. His - sorry - OUR jewel means more to me than a new one ever would have. I lost dad (George) on June 2, 2009. But I still have that beautiful jewel, and I will cherish it and the memories it carries with it until I see him once again. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
