The Tar Heel Knight

I could tell I was in the right place when I pulled into the church parking lot.  There was an Italian red Ferrari parked remotely in the corner.  Two fraternal twins of Corvettes were parked near the front with several Mopar variants that filled in the spaces.  I could tell Chuck’s car club were here to pay their respects.  I did Chuck’s First Degree a few years ago and he revealed his cancer diagnosis soon after.  Regardless of his vicious illness, Chuck’s love of life still visibly permeated.  His smile and happy demeanor were infectious.  Chuck would still participate if he could and donate food and treasure otherwise.  He attended one Council Christmas dinner while enjoying a rare period of remission.  He happily chatted with everyone and sat with his wife like they were still newlyweds.  I wish I could bottle just one ounce of his enthusiastic love of life and use it for myself.
 
On another leg of the journey, I greeted the Council officers during a reception after a Star Award presentation.  The council hall was packed with both food and family.  One of the officers proudly introduced all five of his teen-age sons, each having similar features while exhibiting every style and dress to set their individuality.  Along with their name during the introduction, dad stated all that they did for the parish.  Daniel, by far the most outgoing of the herd, lit up when his father mentioned his social media and video work.  His latest footage was on the Washington March for Life.  His excitement for his work was palatable.  Daniel’s love for his faith was even more evident.
 
During another stop along the way, I found myself talking to Tony about his time in the Air Force.  His description started with the typical mechanical work that seemed to match every experience for anyone in the machinery world.  As he reminisced further, he revealed that he worked on the once highly top-secret U2 spy plane of the Cold War.  He remembered the graceful but long black wings that required a temporary titanium “pogo” as it taxied.  He especially remembered the nail-biting time when the U2 was downed over Soviet territory.  Though this was a time before I was born, Tony beamed proudly of his country, his service, and the part he played.  I was talking to history at this Knights function.
 
I hope your Lent is holy and finds you well.  This is a time to remove the temptations within us.  This is also the time for us to replace that evil with His joy as we are made in the Lord’s image and likeness.  It is only through Him that we can achieve.  We are aided along this journey through Chuck’s love of life, Daniel’s faith through media, and Tony’s pride of his service and his part in history.  This Lent, surround yourself with good people.  Surround yourself with the Knights.