The Freemasons. An organization that interested me from a young age. Not because of the false hype and rhetoric, but because of its ties to brotherhood, it’s teachings of a bond that can never be broken, and even more so, a common morality that every man should hold dear that will guide him in his endeavors throughout his life. At the end of November 2020, I would begin to experience what the world of Freemasonry means to a Brother in distress.
Driven to University of Chicago by my wife and sister, literally on the brink of death, I thought my life was over. I couldn’t walk anymore, my cognitive functions were declining, my speech was beginning to just repeat words, and my heart was just a constant rumble in my chest. I was admitted, taken to the ER, and then I was gone. That’s a whole different story by itself, but I’m always open to share that experience to an interested ear. Anyway, once I awoke, I could still only repeat things that were said. Things were difficult speaking with my wife and kids. I knew it bothered them. Hell, it bothered me. I knew what I wanted to say but my mouth said differently. As time went on, I improved. Tons of medication, tons of treatments, tons of tests. As it got closer to Christmas, it was killing me inside knowing I wouldn’t be there. Where would my wife get the money to make Christmas still enjoyable for my young kids? How would she be able to go and shop for things? How would she be able to keep our home happy while I was away? Knowing that any day she may get another call that said “you need to get up here, he isn’t doing good.” This was truly the scariest time in our lives. So much uncertainty. Do much fear. Very little money coming in to feed the kids. Not enough to do all the bills. And not nearly enough to make Christmas, Christmas. Or so we thought.
Unknown to me, my mill family were taking in donations from each other to help my wife keep things under control. And boy was that huge! That donation helped her so much. They even came over with some Christmas gifts for the kids! She called me on video chat and was so happy! The kids showed me their gifts, Merissa explained to me that the bills were good and the groceries were covered, and we spent some time just talking about getting me home and healthy. A few days later, during one of our daily calls, she says to me, “you’re not going to believe this…” This is where I got to experience the pure love within the brotherhood of being a Freemason.
Within our Lodge, Porter Lodge #137 (I write this as proudly as I say it), there were a group of individuals that got together, purchased gifts for each of my kids, brought them over, and literally had Santa Clause himself hand them put to my family. I was so damn overjoyed and proud! Out of nowhere, here comes the Brothers of our Lodge, making my family’s Christmas as memorable as its gets. Even while I was in the hospital, I had Brothers reaching out to me asking how I was doing and when I was coming home. That I was missed and couldn’t wait to have me back at our Lodge when I was healthy enough. Another Brother who I will always have love and respect for even went as far as going shopping with his partner to bring me some old fashioned candy as a comfort.
They even ordered me some good Chinese food and delivered it to me, just because I said to him, “man you know what sounds so dang good?” And bam! They had me covered. To this day I tell him he’s my Chinese delivery guy. So much love for those two.
So from having so many reach outs from Brothers to check on my progress, to Brother Santa and his helpers, to the best Chinese delivery in the world, Freemasonry and the love of the Brethren within will always have a deep love and respect in my heart as well as within my family’s heart. The profound impact that was made will never be forgotten.
Brethren, once again, with love, I thank you.
Bro. Christopher Trajkovski
