Category Archives: Memories

Memories

Farewell to another Year!!

Leave a comment

               As I sit here in Vegas on my 11th New Year’s Eve, I am thankful for so much. I started the year teaching 6th grade English Language Arts and History at Standard Middle School in Bakersfield, California. In March, I received notice that I would not be finishing the year. I had hoped that I would find out the reasons, but as of today, I still do not know the reasoning for the district’s decision. I changed my focus and started a job search outside of the classroom, aiming to put my MBA in Public Administration to use.

               I continued to be active in Meudell-Oildale #695, Bakersfield Chapter #125 (serving as Worthy Patron), and Fremont Court #49 (beginning the year as Associate Patron and now as Royal Patron). I am thankful for my Brothers and Sisters and the Honored Ladies and Sir Knights of the Masonic Family. My Masonic career has not been without challenges, but I am looking forward to the future.

               I was able to attend Grand Court of California, Order of the Amaranth, in February in Visalia, California. I was installed in my third Grand Office, Grand Prelate. I attended Supreme Council Order of the Amaranth in Glendale, Arizona in July. In September, I attended the Reception for the Supreme Associate Matron and Supreme Associate Patron in Walnut Creek, California.

               I continued my involvement in the Masonic youth groups. I am an advisor for Bakersfield Chapter Order of DeMolay. I attended Southern California Jurisdiction Order of DeMolay Conclave in Riverside, California. I am also Associate Bethel Guardian for Bakersfield Bethel #327. I was able to attend Grand Bethel in Modesto, California.

               In October I was able to represent my Lodge as Senior Warden at Annual Communication in San Francisco, California. It was an opportunity to reconnect, and connect, with Masons from all over California and the world.

               At a dinner in San Francisco, a fellow Mason, and a Past Master, suggested that I look into becoming a Correctional Officer (CO). I was hesitant, to be honest, but at the end of October, I took a chance and applied. I passed the written test, scheduled my Physical Fitness Test (which I passed), and am now working on getting information for my Background Check. I am excited and nervous about this potential career change, as it was not something that I had thought of. I do not know where this career will take me, could still be in Kern County or somewhere else in California.

               I returned to the classroom as a Substitute teacher in the Kern High School District (KHSD). Assignments have been a challenge to accept as there is a lot of competition. I am confident that I will be working more in KHSD during 2026, while I am working through the process to become a CO.

              I am so thankful for my mom, who has been my biggest supporter in all I do. I am thankful for all the friends and family who have supported me throughout 2025. There are too many to list, but y’all (😊) know who you are. Much Love!

               May 2026 be the best year for everyone. I am always nostalgic as a new year begins, but I am also hopeful.

               Happy New Year!

Family, Memories

Brothers

Leave a comment

Tomorrow, April 8, 2016, my brother, Michael Edward Anderson turns 35. I have not seen him since he was around 3 or 4. I have pictures of him at that age, but I often wonder what he looks like now.

My dad married Michael’s mother in Huntington Park, California, around 1980, although I cannot find a record of it in the California Marriage records. I was at the wedding. It was held at Michael’s maternal grandmother’s house. I had to wear a light blue tuxedo shirt or something like that. I know I hated it.

I went to first grade in Cudahy, California, Mrs. Lillywhite’s class. Fast forward to April 7, 1981: Michael’s mother goes into labor, and my dad takes me to my grandparent’s house in Lynwood, and rushes back to be by Michael’s mother’s side. I remember when Michael was a baby and the diaper changes. I will spare the details, let’s just say, I remember things very vividly.

Michael’s mother and my dad later separated. I always say that my dad was an upstanding man and took responsibility for Michael. Michael’s mother had custody of him. My dad paid child support even after we moved to Exeter. His mother sent it back, and we never heard from them again.

Before we moved, Michael and his mother came for a visit. They along with my grandmother picked me up from school. I do not remember the day, but it must have been in the spring. I do not remember the conversation between my grandmother and Michael’s mother, but I do remember Michael running in the bathtub.

Every year on April 8th I think about my brother. I wonder where he is. More importantly, I want him to know that our father loved him and wanted to take care of him. I also want him to know that our father is gone. Our father was an amazing man.

Happy Birthday, Michael, wherever you are! I love you, my brother!

Memories, Random

Loss and moving forward

Leave a comment

On March 25, 2016, my family lost a great friend, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt: Shirley Carpenter Kyle. Shirley was a very special person, and her passing has hit me very hard. It just shows that life is not forever.

Her laugh. I loved her laugh: Husky and full of life. I know that she loved my grandmother Pearl. She knew how to give back Mama’s orneryness. I also know that she loved my dad, in fact, she married him for a brief period of time. It became the joke in the family. Sharla, her oldest daughter, still considers me to be her brother. At almost 42, I think I can accept that and look at it as an honor.

Shirley was there when my family moved to Exeter in 1985. She helped with the first business we opened: Doughnutty Donut House on E Street. She was always there, not only during funerals, but just to check in on us.

Random thought: I have the newspaper clipping of when she built her house in Farmersville on Cottonwood. I will have to get that to her daughters, Sharla and Harlene.

Shirley was one of a kind and I miss her. I know that she is having a reunion in heaven with her dad and the men in her life.