– Part 62 –

Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C. Director of Development 1761 East Woodcrest Avenue La Habra, California 90631–3260 Tel . 562–691–4227; Fax 562–691–5327

Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33° Director of Major Gifts 1733 Sixteenth St., Washington, DC 20009–3103 Tel. 202–232–3579, Ext. 143, Fax. 202–387–1843 Or call 800–486–3331, Ext. 143 council@srmason-sj.org

It seems the older I grow, the more excited I get at this special holiday time of year. I'm not sure if it's a second childhood coming on or, maybe, I'm adding a tad more wisdom to my life experience. With each passing year, Christmas and Hanukkah have more meaning for me, and tears come to my eyes a little more frequently, especially when I see needs in the world.

For example, I'm preparing a sermon to present at my church, and in it I am adding a short story about a young man, small in stature, but with the vitality of 100 men. His story brought a tear to my eye, and maybe you will find a worthy sentiment in it, too.

This boy was always the smallest person in his classes, but when he got to high school, he wanted to be on the football team. He tried out and made the cut, not because he could play football, but because of his inspiration and all-around leadership ability. The coach knew the boy couldn't play football, but he meant a lot to the other boys. Also, his father had always encouraged him. For four years, he never missed a game and never complained when his son did not get to play.

However, a week before the last big game of the season, in his senior year, while the boy walking on the field for practice, the coach had to take him aside, for he had the painful duty of telling him some very bad news. The boy's father had suddenly just died. The coach encouraged the boy to go home, not practice all week, and not show up for the final game.

The following Saturday, it was in the third quarter, and the boy's team was losing badly. This small bundle of humanity quietly entered the locker room, dressed, went to the coach, and asked if he could play. The coach didn't dare put him in such an important game, but the boy pleaded and pleaded. Finally, the coach yielded and sent the boy into the game.

It was a miracle! The boy intercepted passes and ran for two touchdowns, he ran from scrimmage and scored, and his team ultimately won the game. The fans went wild, the players hoisted him on their shoulders, and everyone shouted their congratulations.

Later, in the locker room after everyone had left, the coach saw this young man sitting by himself. He asked how in the world was it possible that he could have done all the things he had done? The boy looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that he was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it."

Well, we can do it, too, though in a different sense. The year, like the football game above, is nearly over. Don't sit on the bench and do nothing. It is time to get your taxes in order and a perfect time to look in our "store of happiness" and reduce those taxes, increase your income, and prepare for your family's future. Bro. Earl Ihle and I can help you get into the game, and you will be more successful than you ever dreamed. Please consider our offer of a free Comprehensive Estate and Financial Review, just fill out the coupon on the following page, or call 1–800–486–3331, ext.143. And while doing it, remember, you might see, for the first time, all those little ones with speech impediments that will help you win the game of life. Give us a call.

We're ready to assist you, your family, and all those kids we call our own. Which leaves my "ad" for the month to read: "You're playing in the greatest game of your life, so don't call the wrong play or fumble the ball. Ask for help from the coach, and you will get it."

Ill. Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C. (left in photo) has worked extensively in fund-raising for children's programs throughout our Fraternity. For more information on planned giving, call Bro. Tom at 562–691–4227 (Fax 562–691–5327) or the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., at 202–232–3579, ext. 143. Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, is our development team's Director of Major Gifts. He has been a member of the Fraternity for 25 years and served in 1978 as Master of Lafayette Lodge, No. 111, Baltimore, Maryland. He is also a member of Boumi Shrine Temple in Baltimore, the York Rite, and a dual member of the Scottish Rite Valleys of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. You can reach Bro. Ihle toll free at 1–800–486–3331.