6/30/2021 “Was it the Brownies?”

To be selected State Rainbow Dad for the 2021-2022 Grand Term is an absolute honor, privilege, and huge surprise.  I want to thank GWA Kaitlyn for her selection, and I will be forever grateful for it.  Kaitlyn and I have known each other ever since she was initiated at Grand Assembly in 2014.  I had won the privilege to provide the Lambskin Lecture for her Initiation, so I was able to be a small part of her overall entry into Rainbow.  Immediately after the initiation, Mom Christi had Kaitlyn and I take a picture together.  I didn’t realize at the time, but there would be a bond created there that would last for years, and since I have had the privilege to watch Kaitlyn grow through Rainbow.    She is an amazing young lady, beautiful inside and out, and will serve Virginia with poise and grace.

Being State Rainbow Dad is something I do not take for granted.  It is a privilege to serve Virginia Rainbow and do whatever possible to help this wonderful organization and our incredible Rainbow daughters.  I have held this honor once before, for past GWA Rachel Cochrane, and though repeats are not uncommon, I was not expecting this at all.  Someone asked me after Grand Banquet if I knew, and if my emotion was genuine or part of the show.  I can promise you my surprise was genuine, the tears were real, and my declaration of love for our Rainbow daughters is heartfelt.  I will do whatever I can to support Kaitlyn and the Grand Officers this term.  I thank Kaitlyn for this honor, and I look forward to our joint travels this upcoming year.  But I must note, when Kaitlyn announced that I would have to make more brownies this year, she did not say they were for others, so don’t be surprised if she claims them all for herself! 

In Rainbow Love and Service,

Papa Joe Grist, State Rainbow Dad 2021-2022