Beware the ides of March…<\/p>\n
March 15 is an interesting day in my universe.
\nThe day holds 2 specific events I contemplate.<\/p>\n
1) March 15th is the Anniversary of my paternal grandfather’s death.
\nA strange thing to remember on initial glance.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.)<\/p>\n
2) March 15th is the Anniversary of my Minerval degree.
\nThe date I first took an initiation through the OTO.<\/p>\n
This occurred in 1998. Which means I’ve now been ‘in the order’ for 9 years.
\nIronically, I have only lapsed from being an active member for 1 year.
\nThis occurred shortly after my 2nd degree.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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)<\/p>\n
As mentioned… I’m also on final approach<\/i> to my next birthday on March 15.<\/p>\n
This will be my first birthday with a son.
\nThis will be my first birthday with a face full of white hair.
\nThis will be my last birthday before I place a 4 in front of my age.<\/p>\n
Life is odd. <\/p>\n
Who’da thunk.<\/p>\n
hmmn.<\/p>\n