2 minute read
My Role Model
Cover Photo: Joe’s promotion ceremony. Standing with Joe are (left to right) his mother, Diane Offenberger; his wife Alina; and his grandfather Aaron Lowery.
by Joseph Flowers, 26°, Valley of Cambridge
I became a Freemason, and now a Brother of the Scottish Rite, NMJ, mainly because of my grandfather, Aaron Lowery. The impact he had on me as a child and young man was so profound that I wanted to emulate his character in every facet of life. One way I knew I could do this was to become a Mason, and in March 2008, I did just that.
He was proud of me for joining, and because of that, I knew I was on the right path. About a year later, I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps—another common bond that my grandfather and I shared. He retired as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves, but he never made mention of the Army. All he would ever say about his time as a Marine was, “Five years, ten months, and twenty-two days.” He was very proud of his service which included fighting in the Korean War.
At my promotion to Corporal, I was honored that he pinned me, commemorating our shared passion of service. He has since passed, but I continue to reflect on the decisions he made in his life and how I can make similar decisions in mine: I was married with the same wedding band, I drive his old Ford pickup, sit at his old desk, and one of these days, I’ll be able to rightfully wear his 32nd degree Masonic ring.
I find his dedication to his wife, children, family, country, and God to be unmatched by anyone I’ve met. As another step towards mirroring his life choices, I am now a Brother of the Scottish Rite, having joined in the first Virtual Reunion. Although he cannot witness and experience this moment with me, I know he’s proud. I’ve already registered for the other two Virtual Reunions to continue my journey, and I am anxiously awaiting an opportunity to become a 32nd degree Mason—the same as my granddad.
Joseph and Aaron shovel dirt out of grandad’s old pickup truck.
I’m what most consider traditional, and I enjoy sentimental things. For example, memories of my grandfather and me sharing a moment on the tailgate of an old Ford pickup, tipping back a couple IBC root beers after working on the farm, are priceless. I do often ponder what he would do if he were in my shoes today. In doing so, I’ve become a better man of God, husband, father, and Brother. The lessons he’s taught me are lessons I fully intend to pass on to my son, who we named Aaron after my grandfather. Remembering the past and looking toward the future is the essence of a strong, resilient, and enduring legacy.
Flowers’ Christmas 2013
