We Are Who We Are

The other day a lovely mason, steeped in a background of masonry infused with historical charm happened by with a question that I've been waiting to share with others.  If Bro Wolfgang Mozart visited your lodge, what impression would he take away? Did I mention this lovely man has attended the very lodges visted by Wolfgang? In fact he is a member who as many have done, found his way to the shores of Canada hoping to build a good life for himself and his family.  It was such and interesting question. And after I thought of at least three good excuses to avoid this accounting with time, I collapsed into a chair and began a reality check; what impressions would he take away?  First, he would experience a genuine, sincere working mans hospitality. He would eat and drink and eat some more. And laugh? He would experience an unstoppable, unapologetic, hysterical sense of humour created in remote communities. We know how to laugh at ourselves. And the beer? Maybe even a legendary german receipe, cold and abundant. The only question would be the palate: city or urban, Quebecois, maritime sea, prairie, mountain? And being a man of taste, Wolfgang would be discreet about our threadbare faciity, basic ritual and simple lodge adornments. After a life in the courts of Kings, the brother would appreciate honest, simplicity. I imagine someone would bring out a guitar and fiddle and a jug of mares milk just to keep off the chill mind you. But the more interesting talk would be the morning after over coffee.  You might think critics would criticize and cynics would find fault as they do and old men would complain about the hour. But they would be drowned out by the excitment of conviviality.  We hosted a distant cousin, a crazy lad who fit right in and wasn't too bad at the piano either.  When we do better, as we will, it will be Canadian style- warts and all. Decent guys from a decent country with a heart. The door is always open.