National Vice Chief's Closing Thoughts

Through the lessons learned this year I have experienced things that the typical person my age does not... gone where most do not... shared feelings that most never feel. This term has proven to be the most magical and memorable myriad of experiences God could have ever wished to bestow upon someone, and I will never be the same man as a result.

When I began my term last December I dedicated my term to my grandfather, the man who I looked to most in my childhood as a symbol of what I wanted to be as a man.

My grandfather started a tradition in my family during family Christmas celebrations, a tradition of giving unlike any other I know. Every year my Bampa reached beside his chair to remove a few crudely wrapped gifts that carried with them a very special significance. You see, in each of these packages was held a knife. These knives were given to men in my family as a symbol of his recognition of that man's value. They represented his gift of truth, honor, trust, love, and friendship.

I still remember when I received my first knife, and though it means more to me now than then, I still remember the gift he gave to me, and I use it, and the virtues which it represented, as guiding principles in the life that I lead.

He, with his gesture, made a huge difference in my life.

With these items in mind, I made it clear that I wished to carry one central goal in my mind as I traveled in the year to come. That dream for me was to show every person I had the wonderful opportunity to interact with... young and old, big and small, strong and weak... that they had a fire inside them that was powerful enough to make a lasting difference in the life of another.

I never dreamed, however, that so many of those I would meet would have such a profound effect on me as well.

Having felt the overpowering sentiment of love and friendship from my lodge, section, region, and national friends, I have a renewed sense of purpose in life. I see things on a deeper and richer level than ever before... loving one another has never been more clear.

I would like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone with whom I have crossed paths this year, and to those I have not yet met. No words could ever describe what you have done, and will do... but remember always that the fires in your hearts have profoundly touched mine.

Thank you for the everlasting difference you have made in the life of another.