December 2015: From the Editor

Words: Dan KamysDecember 2015

A Time for Family

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell, Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

Who do you consider to be your “family?” Does your family consist of your blood relatives only, or does it extend to friends and other loved ones? Do you have a second family that is your “masonry family,” made up of those with whom you work, day in and day out, to make our industry stronger? My guess is that you do. I think that’s what makes the masonry industry different from many other construction industries and lines of work, in general. A great number of masonry companies are family owned, with many being generational. A sense of pride is woven through the business and the beautiful buildings that masonry produces. We have a niched area of the construction market, and we value the art and strength of masonry. As I write this editorial, Paris has only five days ago been attacked. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the holiday season will soon be upon us. We could easily enter the holidays with a heavy heart and solemn disposition. And, though I know our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of terrorist violence, I hope we can take this time to turn to our families, friends and loved ones to be reminded of the peace, love and hope surrounding us all. From Masonry Magazine to you and yours, Happy Holidays.
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