06/05/2026
Life's Lessons June 4th, 2026
Each year just before Easter, we contact the Widows of Brothers who have been called home for a visit and gift from Western Star Lodge #26.
Likewise, we contact Brothers who have moved into rest homes, some having lost their spouses. This is well, and good.
In a meaningful 1971 song by John Prine, I savor the lyrics addressing just this need. John Prine was a mailman. He also helped a friend with a walking delivery route to residents at a Baptist Senior Citizens rest home.
He would stick his head into each room greeting residents who would treat him like family, people starving for companionship, highlighting the deep need for human connection.
John wrote "Hello in there" as if calling into a quiet isolated space
to say "I see you there and you matter".
John highlights the lives of elderly individuals where children have grown up or passed away, leaving them alone and longing for interaction.
The lyrics in the song repeat: "Old trees just grow stronger,
Old rivers grow wilder till the day. Old people just grow lonesome waiting for someone to say Hello in there, Hello. So if you're walkin' down a street some time, you spot some hollow ancient eyes, please just don't pass them by and stare as if you didn't care
say Hello in there - Hello."
The emotional weight of neglect and the simple power of
acknowledgement to symbolize empathy, attention, and the small bit of meaningful gestures can brighten the lives of those who feel invisible.
We are our Brother's keepers. Thank you for your compassion.
So mote it be.
