Oh! How I remember those words imprinted on my brain by my mother about three or four times a year, especially when my report cards came home. Most of the time my marks were good enough to pass, but not good enough to please my mother. "They could have been better," were her patented words. While I was not a glowing A or B student, I did have the scholastic aptitude to do better. At that time, boredom and visions of living the fun life were more important than studies.

Aside from adolescent indiscretions and high school pranks, I have led a good life. As a matter of fact, it has been great except for a few serious bumps in the roads I traveled. When I got married and we had children, my good life became better. As I progressed in business, we always moved into better neighborhoods with better schools and churches.

Now, in the September of my life, while enjoying the results of my financially responsible years, I have fulfilled an ambition to become a Mason. After passing the full catechism, I realized that for all of my years, I have lived a Masonic life. By following the 32nd Degree's teachings, I now know that my life is really the best, and I will never let it rest.

Our often-repeated Masonic goal is to take "good men and make them better." So if you know of a candidate, young or old, remember the motto from my childhood and let them know that while their life is good, it can get better and, ultimately, it can be at its best when they attain the 32nd Degree and live its principles.

Jerome G. McCormick is a Certified Management Analyst and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Chaplain of Tropical Lodge No. 56, Fort Myers, Florida.