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VWB Greg Stewart Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2003-2005 Mailto: underthetable@earthlink.net 13316 3rd NE |
A Note From the Deputy's Wife (October 2004)
Hello, My name is Heather Norberg Stewart, and I am the wife of VWB Greg Stewart, District 4 Deputy of the Grand Master.
I asked him for the privilege of writing the article this month because I wanted to have an opportunity to thank the members of District 4 and members around the state for their thoughts, prayers, cards and flowers over this past year. I had hoped to send thank you notes to everyone, but as the mother of a growing baby my time is not my own. As many of you know, our daughter Lillian was born last October (can you believe it's been a year?). Since that time I have developed complications from a chronic illness and have been diagnosed with additional health problems. I have spent a great deal of time this year in the hospital, including over a month this spring. Unfortunately this situation forced Greg to miss many events including Grand Lodge at the beginning of June. Everyone has been so gracious and understanding – thank you.
Many good things have come out of these trials. Greg and Lillian are closer than many dads and infant daughters. Greg has stepped up to the plate to be " Mr. Mom" and the two of them are great friends and have their own rhythms and routines. Her face lights up when he comes in the room and he is tender and loving – even at 4:00 a.m.! Although it has been difficult, it has drawn us closer together. We saw each other every day, but it wasn't the same. Saying goodbye every evening to my husband and daughter was difficult. However, the time that I have been home hasn't been wasted. Greg and I are trying to establish traditions for our family including outings to parades, the zoo and an upcoming one to a pumpkin patch. We want to make sure that our daily lives don't get in the way of spending time together as a family.
We learned this past year that we have a wonderful network of family and friends. They brought food to Greg, took care of Lillian, cleaned the house, walked our dog, and even mowed our lawn. I received phone calls, e-mails, cards, flowers, books and visits. Many of these people are part of the Masonic Family. The outpouring of love and support has been inspirational and we can never repay the kindness that has been shown to us. The philanthropic work of the Masonic groups is well known: college scholarships, diabetes grants, and entire hospitals are funded by this community. However, sometimes it is the small things that mean the most. When Greg did attend meetings he was greeted with enthusiasm and support. When he was unable to attend Grand Lodge, the universal response was "your family comes first." This alleviated the his guilt and enabled him to relax. Support took many forms from writing the article for the monitor to walking our dog, but all of it was appreciated and and made our lives easier.
Greg is enjoying his time as District Deputy and has many plans for the future, but he has been frustrated the lack of time to devote to his ideas and has felt guilty for what he sees as neglecting his duties to the order. The compassion shown to him by the Grand Officers and the members of District 4 has helped alleviate this frustration. He is glad to be back visiting the Lodges again and is looking forward to Installation season and other events.
Thank you all for your support. You have made Greg's live easier and mine brighter,
Thanks to both the Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.