A Year of Depth and Growth: Reflecting on Fraternity, Family, and Finding Strength Together

The turning of a calendar page often prompts a moment of reflection. This past year, the chapters of our collective story have been written with both profound sorrow and incredible joy, binding us closer as a fraternity and as a family. We have weathered storms, welcomed new light, and, through it all, reaffirmed the enduring power of our brotherhood.

During the year, we fell under the heavy shadow of loss. The passing of our beloved Worshipful Brother Juan Faranda left a void that words struggle to fill. It was at a Masonic event, a Ladies' Night, that my wife Dawn, seeing Juan dancing with his wife and sensing the joy they expressed, said to me that if Masons can celebrate their wives the way that he and the other Masons present did, then she was very happy that I was a part of it and supported me wholeheartedly.  

Juan was a pillar of our Fraternity, a mentor, friend, and integral part of our shared history. In our grief, we leaned on one another, sharing stories and silent support. These moments of vulnerability were a stark reminder that the bonds forged in our Fraternity are not merely social ties, but a true Brotherhood that provides unwavering support even in the darkest times.

As in the cycle of life and our Fraternity, the void was met with the arrival of new life and new members. The initiation, passing, and raising of a new class of Brothers brought fresh energy, new perspectives, and a hopeful future. They are the promise of our Lodge’s bright future.

Through the bonds created during Ritual, they have become part of our extended family, and it has been a powerful experience. It serves as a beautiful testament to the enduring nature of our Fraternity, ensuring that the legacy of those we lost lives on in the values we continue to pass down.

Life continued in vibrant color outside of our formal gatherings. The past twelve months have been filled with the kind of special occasions that remind us of the rich lives we lead beyond our organization. We celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, and shared quiet, meaningful moments with our families and loved ones.

Brothers have landed new, fulfilling jobs, celebrating professional milestones achieved through hard work and dedication. We welcomed new additions to our families—babies born, nieces and nephews cherished, expanding our circle of love and responsibility. From graduations to personal achievements, we join in promoting each other's welfare and rejoice in each other's prosperity, reinforcing a culture of mutual support.

The true measure of a Fraternity lies not only in how we treat each other, but in how we engage with the wider community. This year, we made efforts in charity and volunteer work. Supporting Chicks in Crisis was illuminating in that we found a common bond through a lost brother, who we found was actually an honorary board member of their cause. 

Whether organizing fundraisers, participating in local clean-ups, or volunteering our time to those in need, our collective actions have made a tangible difference. These acts of service embody the values of our Craft, made real and demonstrating our commitment to being good citizens and compassionate individuals. 

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This past year has been a complex tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of sorrow, joy, challenge, and triumph. We have learned that we can hold grief in one hand and celebration in the other, finding strength in the balance.

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As we look ahead, we carry the memories of those who are gone, the promise of our newest members, and the shared experiences that define us. The bonds of our Fraternity remain strong, a constant source of support as we navigate the year to come.

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