This particular story stood out to me in the usual daily mix of unrelated news that at times pulls in Freemasonry. Usually the unrelated stories have to do with a traffic accident on a street with the name Masonic, or a victim who is whisked away to a hospital that bears the name Masonic, whether for its location to the said street or from a past connection to one of the fraternities contributions.
But this story showed up on a Los Angeles news radio station and apparently one of the network news programs.
In short, it is the tragedy and horror of a husband and wife, who having lost their job, decided together (so the note says) to end their lives and the lives of their 5 children.
At the bottom of the note, apparently written in hand, was the phrase above in the title "Oh lord, my God, is there no hope for a widow's son?".
Apparently, the call came to late, and none were close enough to help him.
As I said, this sort of tragedy is on the rise, here in Southern California and across the country. In the last few months there have been 5 such incidents here where one individual has taken the lives of many into his hands and ended them. It leaves me speechless for how to describe it.
Perhaps, we can take a lesson from this story, especially as it contains the plea of a fellow widow's son, to hold close the brothers we have in and out of lodge, and be there to support those in need, whether with employment challenges, in financial distress or emotional ones. The term brother is not a superficial one and there is help for the widow's son, all you need to do is reach out and ask.
His full note.
Wow, that is horrible. I know a brother who recently was laid off. He isn't talking much about it. Also, I know a gentleman who committed suicide over recession/depression.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that drives me crazy is that trillions are available to banks and lending institutions that caused this, yet for the average man, he accepts all the risk, debt and suffering of the "downturn".
I think we are just at the beginning of the suffering.
Brothers,
ReplyDeleteAs you are probably aware, a tragic murder/suicide involving a Wilmington family occurred yesterday. An Associated Press reporter contacted the Grand Lodge office asking if the man was a Mason and if "is there no hope for a widow's son," a phrase in his suicide note, is a reference to a Masonic call for assistance.
The reporter was informed that the man was not a member of a Masonic lodge belonging to our Grand Lodge or of any lodge that we are aware of. He was also told that many Masonic rituals, and some that purport to be Masonic, are widely available in print and on the Internet. These are not the ritual of the Grand Lodge of Masons of California nor, to the best of our knowledge, the ritual of any Grand Lodge in this country today. Phrases found in these publications have been used in ceremonies of non-Masonic organizations for centuries.
In order to provide a consistent response to the public and to the media, we are asking your cooperation in seeing that all media and public inquiries are directed to Terry Mendez, Director of Communications, at tmendez@freemason.org.
Sincerely,
Larry L. Adamson
Grand Master
The phraseology used is more what a Prince Hall Mason would say. Of course we ruled out that he was a Prince Hall Mason also, right???
ReplyDeleteWhether he was a Mason or not the point is still well taken to look after Brothers who have lost their jobs and/or are in deep depression.
I forwarded Masonic Traveler's story to my Lodge, my Masonic friends and my Grand Master because I don't want to see this happen to anyone I know when it could be prevented.
It is of the utmost importance that we spend some time and effort in attending to the members of our own family, both personal & Masonic, that we as Masons have money set aside for these purposes and that we pay a little more attention to our own while we are out trying to save the world and gain brownie points and publicity via community action and community charity.
My authorities who did some research now tell me he was a Prince Hall Mason.
ReplyDeleteWhen you look at this man why is the first thought that he could not be a Mason because the Mainstream Grand Lodge says he isn't a member?
Why are we in such a hurry to say he was not a Mason? I don't get it.
Why isn't the the most important thing to take away from this tragedy be that we need to look after our fellow Brethren?
Fred,
ReplyDeleteI don't see that stated anywhere in the Grand Lodge statement or the comments that he was not a Mason. The Grand Lodge was clarifying whether he was a member of their Grand Lodge. I agree, however, that the most important aspect is the tragedy and caring for our brothers. This is a cautionary tale for all of us.
Nick
Bros,
ReplyDeleteRegardless of this case having happened to one or us, I think we should, all, e-mail Kaiser Permanent and manifest our indignation regarding their Human (?!!) Resources policy.
It is totally absurd to fire both spouses...
Filardo
São Paulo, Brazil
I wish I could ask my lodge for help, I'm in a real tough financial situation but I know if I asked, they'd likely ignore the request for assistance as a good portion of them are in similar situations, and aside from paying dues, I haven't really been active for a few years. I wish we lived in a different time, when brothers had each others backs.
ReplyDeleteBr. Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean and in this day, it is especially difficult. Perhaps the lodge, or the members, can't help financially, they can help spiritually. And, if time and distance have taken hold, there is a vibrant community here on the web. Such, that if you have need to talk, feel free to send me a note any time at masonictraveler@gmail.com. I know what these times are like, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, its just getting around the bend to it.
Br. Greg