Sunny Day, 1100 people, family reunions..... It's Masonic Pathways

Woke to a perfect day in Central Michigan. Have my dear wife here with me, her health is strengthened, but still needs my attention. I would usually just walk back to the picnic area here at Pathways, but decided to take the resident approach and catch the trolley. Glad I did, Keith, Jim and I had a chance to visit while waiting for our ride around the back. Keith told me a few of the Jobs Daughter family looked in on him today. That's what I wanted to hear. So we took a ride to the picnic area where my Worshipful Grand Marshal had secured a spot for me and Angela to sit. Created a place may be more accurate, complete with hydration, since it was warm. All of the Grand Lodge Officers were present, except 2. I thank you all for supporting our residents with your time and service. My guyz took care of the hydration distribution system, only heard one flaw, the WJGD was peddling water and lemonade, but was carrying iced tea....:-p  Over 1000 folks were in attendance for the picnic, I visited with old friends, and made new friends, like Miss Abigail from Jackson Assembly who came over to say hi. One resident had 50 family and friends in for the gathering. Great food, Great company, lots of stories, and what seemed like 10 minutes, it was over, the crowd was gone, and the staff were tearing down the tables. I had a photo op with my youth, and in a flash realized my wife had took the trolley back to the front where we started, and I sat alone, on a park bench hoping the trolley would make one more round. As I sat, I had a few moments to ponder, where was Pat, he always looked me up.... Where were MWB Wayne and Mary....they surely would have been enjoying the picnic. Few cars drove by, waved, said goodbye, Josh Lampar came over and talked a few moments, then he exchanged greetings and was gone.... I realized the oft thought cliche, Is this as good as it gets? Will my whirlwind adventure I call my life eventually slow me to this place of contentment and solitude? Suddenly the importance of gentle care for my aging Masonic Family again came into focus, and how important it is to care for not only the youngest Entered Apprentice in the Northeast corner of the lodge, but the most senior member of the craft whom reside here at Pathways and received his 70 year pin from my hand..... Here comes the trolley, I'm the only passenger this time, given the same care and attention as if I was a resident here.  As I unboarded the final ride, knowing the Girls with the yellow happy shirts had no clue who I was, I thanked them, as Grand Master, for their dedication and service....... It's a another great day at Masonic Pathways.