So I returned my acceptance immediately and began making plans for the trip. I MADE IT ON MY OWN With plenty of time to reflect, I thought about my long climb up the mounatin of Masonry in search of light. I thought about the odds against anyone's ever making it to the 33rd Degree. I realized that in my case the odds have been even greater. I had made it by hard work and dedication alone.
Some men have an edge on selection because of their wealth, political power or prominence.
I had none of these. Thinking of this, I felt particulary good about it and wished my mother could know. I had come a long way since leaving the front gate that terrible day so many years ago. I had come the distance with no help from Uncle Irvin. I had reached the pinnacle - made it all the way to the top.