Douglas G. Mack Douglas G. Mack
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New Year of 2004
My dear friends,
Well, I am a bit more behind schedule than usual! The "Christmas Letter" has turned into a "New Year of 2004 Letter."
Though each year seems to go by quicker than the one before, you continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers.
2003 was a good year for me. As I started writing this letter, I found it growing larger and larger. So, to help with reading, I put headings in.
Health
On January 14th I had MOHS surgery to remove some more basal cell cancer from my upper forehead. I had had a large amount removed in June of 1998. The amount removed this time was less than in 1998. And, everything looked good during my checkup in November.
Church
I continue to worship in the Episcopal church I have been going to for several years. Though I very much prefer the former Rector, the community is still a very strong and supportive one.
Masons
My involvement with the Masons has also continued. On June 5th I was presented with the "Masters Award 2003" by the Master of Chesterfield Lodge No. 161 during the official visit of the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. It came as a complete surprise to me, and it was one of the few times I was actually "speechless" and those of you who know me well know that happens very seldom .
I have decided to limit my active involvement to one local Lodge for a number of reasons, including time and travel. So, I am no longer involved at Chesterfield Lodge. My active involvement is at Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19.
On December 13th I was elected and installed as Junior Warden at Richmond Randolph Lodge.
Parents
My parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in June. Due to scheduling conflicts, the whole family was not able to be together for the celebration. But, that did not stop the celebration! My parents first drove down to Florida to spend some time with my brother and his family. Then, they drove back here and celebrated the actual date of their Anniversary with me. All in all, a very special time!
Gay
As a gay man I cannot help but to celebrate the numerous powerful events of 2003 that helped to bring the reality of equal rights for all persons closer.
In June the Provincial Appeals Court in Ontario, Canada ruled that country's ban on gay marriages unconstitutional.
On June 26th the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Texas sodomy law, and thus all sodomy laws in the U.S., in their historic decision of Lawrence vs. Texas.
On June 7th the Reverend V. Gene Robinson was elected as the Episcopal Bishop Coadjutor of New Hampshire. The House of Deputies and the House of Bishops at the Triennial General Conference later consented to the election. And, on November 2nd the Reverend Robinson was ordained and consecrated Bishop the first openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
On November 18th the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state "failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason for denying civil marriage to same-sex couples."
We are moving closer to recognizing all of God's children as equal brothers and sisters. May that forward movement continue during 2004.
Mother Nature
"Mother Nature" has played a big part in my life here in Richmond this year.
On Thursday September 18th Hurricane Isabel came through with massive force. I was one of the "lucky ones" in that my power was only off for about 22 hours and I continued to have some water, though at low pressure and not to be used for drinking, etc. for several days. By Tuesday the 23rd I had full pressure back and the boiling restrictions had been lifted.
There were many people, however, who had no power and/or no water at all for almost two weeks! And, the amount of physical destruction was quite significant in the Richmond area.
It did not help things that a tornado then came through Richmond early on the morning of Tuesday the 23rd. It went through not too far from me.
But, with both major events, there was no physical damage to my apartment complex.
Just in case we were to forget about "Mother Nature," we had a 4.5 earthquake on December the 9th. There was, thank goodness, no significant damage from it. I was on a railroad overpass in my car when I felt a strange rumble which I later found out was the earthquake.
VW New Beetle
Other news for me this year was that on July 26th I traded my 1999 silver VW New Beetle in for a 2003 red VW New Beetle GLS 1.8T, 1.8 liter turbo, 150 horsepower, 4 cylinder engine, 17" alloy wheels, uni red exterior with color concept leather package (red and black leather). Though I had no intention of trading my silver Beetle in, the dealer "made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
Tattoos
No, I didn't get a new tattoo this year. One of my tattoos, however, has made it into a museum (or rather, a portrait of the tattoo). Earlier in the year, a friend of mine had sent me an article about the "Indelible Memories: September 11th Memorial Tattoos" exhibit at the Historic Museum at Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island. Over 100 photographs by Vinnie Amesse showed how some 55 people chose to honor/remember friends, co-workers, and family members by have a tattoo.
After corresponding with the curator, a portrait of my tattoo in memory of Father Mychal Judge, the New York Fire Department Chaplain who died helping people in the midst of the World Trade Center collapse on September 11th, and the story behind it, was added to the permanent collection of the museum.
Work
Work has continued to be interesting this year. Additional budget cuts have not taken any of my staff (or my position). And, I am very thankful for that.
With regards to the proposed consolidation of Information Technology for the state, the Governor and Secretary of Technology's original plan was not approved by the General Assembly. A revision of it was, however, approved.
The proposed consolidation has begun on a very limited basis. And, with the General Assembly meeting shortly, there are already indications that they will be making further changes to the plan. So, there is a great deal of uncertainty.
Websites
I have continued to expand my personal website (www.douglasmack.com). And, I have some ideas for further growth.
I also continue to work on two Masonic websites (www.mastermason.com/xxxxxxxxxx and
www.mastermason.com/xxxxxxxxx).
Happy New Year of 2004
So, my dear friends, I will draw this letter to a close before it becomes a full book! May 2004 be a year filled with many blessings and joy for you and yours! Be assured of my continued prayers for you and please remember me in yours.
