Beware the ides of March…
March 15 is an interesting day in my universe.
The day holds 2 specific events I contemplate.
1) March 15th is the Anniversary of my paternal grandfather’s death.
A strange thing to remember on initial glance.
My Grandfather Gilbert (for whom I was named loosely in English and directly in Hebrew) died on March 15th, 1968. Exactly 2 1/2 weeks before I was born.
My mother was nearly full term with me at the funeral. So I was born with 3 grandparents. And the one that I think may have been the most intriguing to me was Gilbert. (I am from a long line of ‘first sons’ which in Judaism is somewhat important.)
2) March 15th is the Anniversary of my Minerval degree.
The date I first took an initiation through the OTO.
This occurred in 1998. Which means I’ve now been ‘in the order’ for 9 years.
Ironically, I have only lapsed from being an active member for 1 year.
This occurred shortly after my 2nd degree.
On this I contemplate how I am close to surpass the amount of time I devoted to the SCA (15 yrs) and other odd milestones. I contemplate the changes in who I am and who I was before my time in the order and the things that have occurred. Both to me and the organization.
I also think about this day in context of my knowledge of my grandfather and how he might have reacted to my decisions to join the Order. I think he and I would have gotten along very well. But sadly… almost everyone who knew him has passed. (Gilbert is survived by 2 of his 4 sons)
As mentioned… I’m also on final approach to my next birthday on March 15.
This will be my first birthday with a son.
This will be my first birthday with a face full of white hair.
This will be my last birthday before I place a 4 in front of my age.
Life is odd.
Who’da thunk.
hmmn.