Thats what I am saying. I've been swept into a whirlwind of Masonry as Grand Master for just a day over three weeks. So what going on and how do I feel? Somedays I don't know how I can answer another email. Knowing I am laboring for the Craft and the Grand Lodge of Michigan as a whole, keeps me focused. A look back thus far, keeping a current calendar is virtually impossible, it changes daily, and sometimes hourly. When I travel, I simply bring all the wardrobe, it may be a suit coat, a Tux, a white jacket, an English Morning Suit, could be with apron or without. I have been appreciated by my peers in my hometown, some of whom I never ever expected to care. I asked that the Lodges be informed of a plea for disaster relief from Serbia. I was received in my own Lodge, Grand Island 422 in Munising, where I participated in an EA degree for a good friend and co-worker (He is also a Charter fishing captain, you know what that means.....). I was saddened by the loss of Ken Smiley who labored on a Board of this Grand Lodge for many years, and who I personally worked with in Masonry for many years. On the way to pay my last respects to Ken, I was honored with a Class of 7 candidates, in my name at Noruh Grotto in Port Huron. The Funeral for Ken was bittersweet, I held a newborn, reminding me of the circle of life. Visited a couple more local Lodges, went to Madison for the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, to see by counterpart get installed. When I pulled in, I got the call that another dear friend and Masonic Leader in our Michigan Family was taken by the ravages of cancer. I will miss Bart Porter, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council. From Wisconsin, it was back to Alma for the Lewis Cass Legacy Society event, an annual dinner to honor those who are dedicated to the cause. I've presented a 75 year membership award to a great man, Bud Rifenberg of Vandalia. In between the fun stuff, I've kept up on Sympathy cards, Birthday cards, Thank you cards, Fraternal requests for assistance, Inquired into the reason why some of my Lodges didn't attend Grand Lodge, proofed documents with my signature, studied reports, make a edict/decision or two, answered questions on protocol and procedure, made a few appointments, oh and did I mention I signed 600 birthday cards. If you dont get one with my signature, then you haven't enjoyed the programs of the Michigan Masonic Charitable foundation yet.
It's only been three weeks, but the time its moving at lightning speed. Looking forward, I see a reception for my dear wife (OES Grand Rep from NY to MI), My retreat with the Grand Lodge officers, and my reception, and thats this next week....
