Thompson is buzzing with the news. For the first time in decades one of its most prominent homes is swarming with life. The William Mason house, located at 20 Chase Rd. in Thompson, CT, is being restored! This house is a classic example of a Gothic Revival house that was built circa 1845. Mason was a mill owner and lived on Thompson Hill where many of the wealthier people of Thompson built their homes when mills dominated the economy. This empty five thousand square foot mansion has been the subject of much controversy because it has suffered decades of neglect, and has been an eyesore, detracting from the beauty of Thompson Common.

The owner of Anya Restaurant recently purchased the property. The plan is to turn the eight-bedroom house into a bed and breakfast, especially suited for weddings and family events. On March 31, 2020 The William Mason Facebook  page announced, “Today, we happily opened the front door with the original circa 1845 key to the William Mason House. We hope the sharing of our historic preservation journey brings you joy and optimism in these uncertain times.” The announcement is followed by numerous comments from people who are thrilled that someone is finally restoring this amazing landmark. 

No doubt the restoration process will be costly, but the end result should be a blessing to the whole town. Some things are worth preserving and restoring. Strong families, strong churches and healthy communities fall into that category. Hats off to the many people who are currently working diligently to preserve these in a very tangible sense as we fight the COVID19 virus. Equally appreciated are the many people who are working diligently to preserve their families, churches and morally solid communities as we weather the social storms that threaten these important cultural landmarks. 

Historically, mothers have been some of the most important preservationists when it comes to families, churches and communities. Their diligence and sacrifice has been demonstrated in nature. The octopus has been called the world’s best mother. Octopuses are semelparous, meaning that the female octopus will lay a clutch of eggs, just once  in her lifetime, and then she will die. Some octopuses have been known to lay as many as 200,000 eggs. Most will protect their eggs for around ten months, but one deep-sea octopus protects hers for 53 months, making it the longest incubation of any animal on record. As she guards her eggs, she quits eating and wastes away. Soon after the eggs hatch, she dies. It is estimated that only about one percent of the eggs survive. But her diligence is enough to preserve the species.

Thanks to all the moms who care enough about their offspring to hold us to high standards, to cover us with their prayers and to remind us of what is most important in life. Even though we may not like the odds, God uses the influence of good mothers to preserve so much that is good in our world. Mother’s day would be a good time to let them know just how much we appreciate the way they make our lives more beautiful.