The supreme lesson that Grotto teaches is Sympathy and Goodfellowship. While we as Prophets strive to display those characteristics to every man, we work extra hard to make sure our own members receive such treatment.
Recently, one of Ubar’s founding Prophets found himself in a tough spot. Pro. Blaine McCamat, Captain of the Guard, suffered a stroke at the beginning of the summer. Blaine was laid up, having partial paralysis on his left side. He found himself unable to walk or do basic daily living functions. He ended up in a secular rehabilitation facility, but soon the funding for his care dried up. That is where the fraternity stepped in.
Blaine was transferred to the Masonic Health Care Center at the Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown, where he has continued to get better after the stroke. In August, it was discovered that he had severe swelling in his legs, caused by some previous vein issues. It was determined that a foot needed to be amputated. Blaine underwent the surgery and has been bravely battling his way back to health since.
Recently, Pro. Seth Anthony, Monarch of Ubar Grotto, visited Blaine. He asked if he was in need of anything and a sly smile came across Blaine’s lips. He responded “You know, I can still have a drink up here.” That’s when a scheme hatched in the Monarch’s head. Ubar was scheduled to meet very soon after the visit, so Seth decided to ask the members in attendance for a collection to purchase Blaine some libations. The members came through, donating generously to the cause. The spirit of sympathy and goodfellowship was certainly bountiful!
On Thursday, September 27, 2012, Pro. Anthony, accompanied by Pro. George Hindson, Chief Justice, visited Blaine and took him the culmination of the collection efforts. Blaine had requested some Lord Chesterfield Ale, along with some Scotch and Bourbon. All these wishes were granted, as Seth and George presented Blaine with a basket of goodies.
When an Ubarian is down, we, as Prophets, are going to be there to prop him up with sympathy and goodfellowship. Get well soon, Blaine! A toast to Prophet McCamat!