March 9, 2009 - SICKNESS & DISTRESS

Last night the Lodge was dark as we had no degree work planned. As such, many of the Brothers took the opportunity to go visit a Brother at a local assisted-living facility. This particular Brother served the Lodge for many years as our Chaplain. In real life, he was a Minister and had a great voice for our degrees. I remember his distinct voice at my initiation, passing, raising, and installation as Worshipful Master in 2003. But he also has a great personality and fervent belief in the fraternity.

Unfortunately, his health has been slowly declining over the last two years and he is now confined to a wheelchair. This frustrates him greatly as he no longer has the freedom to visit Lodge anymore.

Since our Brother couldn't come to Lodge, we decided to take the Lodge to him by assembling a group of Brothers to pay him a visit at his assisted-living facility. After we arrived, the staff arranged for us to meet with him in a spacious meeting room upstairs. When the nurse wheeled him in the room, a big smile burst on his face as he was delighted to see so many familiar faces.

We sat and discussed with him what was happening in the Lodge and we discussed such things as membership, the condition of the building, social events, and news in general. To me, it was important that we didn't dwell on his health, but made him feel an important part of the Lodge. He seemed to greatly appreciate our banter about the Lodge and he asked a lot of questions. It seemed to me that his spirits were lifted considerably.

He is hoping that the Doctor will give him permission to attend Lodge, at which time we will have to make arrangements to pick him up and drop him off. One Brother offered him the use of a new wheel chair while at Lodge, which was greatly appreciated.

I don't think he wanted to see us leave but we could tell he was getting tired so the nurse took him back to his room. More importantly, I think all of us enjoyed the visit, not simply as an act of kindness, but because we genuinely care about our Brother.

When I was first becoming Worshipful Master in 2003, one of the best pieces of advice I received was to make sickness and distress a priority. I learned this from another Past Master from a neighboring Lodge and I believe it to be some very sage advice. Being a member of the Craft should be more than just paying dues and attending meetings, the Brothers like to know they matter to the Lodge. As such, it should behoove all Worshipful Masters to care for the Craft. If you cannot visit a brother in sickness or distress, a simple phone call or note can work wonders.

AS AN EPILOGUE, I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING NOTE FROM THE DAUGHTER OF OUR BROTHER THE NEXT DAY:

How can I ever begin to thank you for the joy you brought to my Father last evening!!

I spoke with him this morning and he was totally amazed that you brought the Lodge to him (I was too!) What an awesome gift you gave him, allowing him to once again participate in a Masonic meeting. He so misses the meetings, and the friendships with his Masonic brothers. He was still so excited when I spoke with him and full of emotion!

Once again thank you for taking the time the time from your busy lives and for the making the effort to make him so so happy!!!

As I replied to her, it was just as much our pleasure as it was his.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"