Life is a great teacher. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” I can’t think of truer words. As I’ve shared before, this is one of the reasons I love traveling by motorcycle—it naturally presents us with adversities and challenges that may seem miserable in the moment but can be celebrated as a badge of honor once overcome. I imagine this is how it will feel when our last day comes.
I’ve been writing about this because life recently reminded me of its temporary nature. First, I lost an older and wiser friend, a prominent Mason in the South. While his passing saddened me, it wasn’t entirely unexpected given the many steps he had already taken on his journey. The second loss was a complete shock—a dear friend and Brother who was younger than me. Ryan was one of the most genuine, sincere, and gentle souls I’ve ever known. He had a unique ability to brighten any room, and I could fill pages with the funny stories and experiences I was blessed to share with him.
When I learned of his passing, I was shattered. Then, unexpectedly, I felt anger, and now I find myself in disbelief—I keep expecting a call saying it was all a mistake or that I’ll wake up from a bad dream. This tragic accident has deeply affected me and many others whose lives Ryan touched. To understand the impact he had, one only has to look at the memories and thoughts shared by those who knew him—my friend and Brother. Alas.
It’s hard to find anything positive in moments like this, but such events remind us of the impact we have on others. We get to smile at the warm memories shared in reflection of a life well lived. One of my favorite memories of Ryan is the time we set a mannequin dressed as a clown on my front porch, rang the doorbell, and hid in the bushes, giggling as we waited for Amanda and Nyssa to answer the door. He brought much-needed laughter into my life and was always there when I needed him. I will miss him deeply.
In reflection, we’re reminded of “how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close. Today he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; tomorrow, blossoms, and bears his blushing honors,” and then “…he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.” These words certainly put things in perspective, prompting us to consider how we spend our time and our duties to one another and the families left behind. As a friend one told me, “I may not know much about the future, but I know that it will be Brothers will lay me to rest.” I am also reminded of the faith I hold—that in the blink of eternity, I will be reunited with those I love who have temporarily gone ahead.
When my grandfather died, I saw Masons bring a Masonic flower arrangement to his funeral. I recognized the symbol, but I was uncertain what it truly meant. One of them approached me and asked me if I was a traveler. At the time, I didn’t really understand the significance of that question. … But now I do. For you see, I sought out the craft shortly after that day and in the words of Robert Frost, “ …that has made all the difference.”
Travel well my Brothers.