by: Jay Dettorre
Have you ever been somewhere and suddenly experienced a rush of emotions accompanied by a flood of memories? It happened to me recently while visiting a friend at Western Reserve Masonic Community.
Walking down the hall, I found myself passing my father’s old apartment. Nearing his room, I began looking for the familiar pieces once decorating his door. Getting closer, I slowed my pace and instinctively brushed my fingers across the door as I’d done so many times before.
On this day, however, something felt different. I couldn’t help but think of my father’s life before and after moving onto the Western Reserve Masonic Community campus.
Growing up, my father was committed to our family and never really took the time to explore his own interests. He was a selfless man who put our needs, and the needs of others, before his own.
Later in life, my mother’s health began to decline and my parents made the decision to move into Western Reserve Masonic Community. My father continued to tend to her increasing needs until she passed in 2011.
At 79, my father began actively “living” and beginning a new chapter at Western Reserve Masonic Community. He took art classes, joined different card groups and participated in various outings (of course, he’d stop in my office every Thursday morning and ask for 10 dimes and a quarter for Thursday night Bingo).
He was meeting new people and making new friends. It was through these new friendships he began his inquiry of Freemasonry. At the age of 81 my father was raised a Master Mason.
In the fall of 2015, my father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away peacefully two weeks later.
Traditionally, this would have been a time of sadness supplemented by tears. But, I began to experience a sense of peace and gratitude. Peace knowing my father approached his last years with new a sense of enthusiasm, gratitude knowing his life was greatly enhanced living at Western Reserve Masonic Community.
I’m asking you to please join me in making a gift to The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation.
Your gift will help enhance the lives of community members across the state and ensure they receive the same love, care and support as my father.
