In the recent HP Alumni Gala dinner, the theme was “Mask-querade”. We had many members who came dressed for the occasion; The Crow, Captain America, Phantom of the Opera, just to name a few. It was a great evening to catch up with fellow HPites, exchange stories, old and new, and reminisce fond memories. As in all HP gatherings, everyone had a jolly good time.
With mask and make up on, sometimes it’s a little difficult to know who the person behind it is. The masked person takes on a little different persona; he or she is not completely accountable for all his actions behind the facade, he/she is in character. Taking on a slightly different perspective of the evening, as William Shakespeare wrote: All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts …… For a brief evening, behind the mask, we all played a different character. I enjoyed my role and I am sure quite a few people did.
In real life, we play several roles; child, adult, parents, grandparents; being taken care of and giving care; consumer of resources to producer of resources. In each role, we evolve and learn, sometimes we excel and sometimes we fail. Hopefully from roles we don’t do too well, we take a little experience from it, and when we are called to perform the role again, we can do a better job. Life is a journey, it’s not the destination that matters but the experience we gain along the way while we play the different roles.
With the festive season round the corner, it’s a good time to count our blessings. Take a little chill pill, call on friends and family you have not seen for a while, it’s usually good to catch up and say hello, to say I remember and I care. The role of the care giver is a rewarding and gratifying one.
And yes, if you are invited again to another masquerade party, do dress for the role that fits you best.
Happy holidays.
Regards,
Eugene Lee
