Ocean Lodge No.89, F.&A.M

I am a Freemason; my journey began several years ago with three knocks, which were answered from within! On the road to be a better man than I am, before I began the journey. How great, is this opportunity and gift I have been given, how great that I received it simply by asking.

To fraternize with my well informed Brethren, united in a fellowship and devoted to charity. I continually ask myself, what do I possibly have to contribute to such a great Fraternity? Perhaps it's a tentative ear or watchful eye, gathering all the light that may be imparted to me in a Lodge of Master Masons.

There is much going on around me. The tools of the craft, the square, the compasses, the plumb, the trowel, all busy in executing the designs drawn upon the trestleboard. There is much to know and understand, and yet, in the few short years of my journey, I can say that "I am becoming a better person"; a direct result of my Brethren guiding me and showing me the way.

When I was standing on the outside, before I asked, before I knocked and before I became a Mason, I was guarded and protective of my feelings, always creating a front of well-being and fulfillment. On the inside, I was incomplete. Sure, I have friends that I can confide in, a wonderful family and a good life, however, there was a void in me, I had a yearning for a greater understanding and appreciation of life.

Having been a part the "peace and love" generation while I was in Vietnam, I learned how to disconnect from my emotions and not feel the anguish, of which my life had become. Sure, I was happy to have made it back alive, but there was a turmoil that I could not sort out, and for fifteen years I was lost in my own thoughts. Wandering in my own mind and trying to find my niche in the scheme of things. Where was I supposed to be, and what was I supposed to be doing?

Then one day in my travels, it happened. I met a man who became my friend; unbeknownst to me he was a Mason. I admired his outgoing qualities, his character, and his patience, all of which helped me in a profound way. We became great friends and at some point I began to inquire about some of the Masonic symbolism that I observed around his home.

I learned that he was a Freemason, and of course knowing nothing of the Fraternity, I was fascinated by his enthusiasm, the high regard he held for his brothers and the fraternity. As his friend, I was glad that he had found his niche in life. In the meantime, I was still attempting to keep my own head from exploding, being consumed by my own thoughts. The thought of joining another fellowship was not something I wanted to do. After the VFW and other similar organizations I was not that enthused about joining yet another "fraternity"..  I  felt safer in my own thoughts.

Over the the next seventeen years, my friend the Mason, continued to be my friend. I observed how he conducted himself in life. Admired his ability to understand me in a way that even I did not recognize. He helped me to overcome my weaknesses and turn them around into positive assets.

Over the years, I continued to ask him about the different aspects of Freemasonry, and he continued to teach me; then one day it happened and I asked, "How do I become a Mason?". I knew before I asked that I wanted to be a Mason just like him. I can still see the smile on his face when I asked.

Today, I am a Freemason.