Milestones

I started blogging here to talk about Scouting in general rather than chronicle my particular experiences.

However today was memorable in several ways.

I had the honor of presiding at a Court of Honor and presenting four of our Scouts with the rank of Eagle. But before the Court of Honor got off the ground to my utter surprise my fellow leaders took over the proceedings for a few moments to celebrate my twenty-fifth year as Scoutmaster.

I received a mayoral proclamation, an extraordinary service award and several very generous gifts.

Naturally I was very appreciative and touched by the recognition. The next surprise was an even more significant honor when one of the Eagles presented me with an Eagle Mentor pin. He had lost his father quite unexpectedly the year he joined the Troop and took some measure of solace in Scouting. Over time he developed into a competent, gifted leader and a good person. His tribute is tremendously meaningful. As if this wasn’t enough many of my past Scouts and leaders attended the proceedings making the day complete. At the end of a day like today my wife and I look at each other and comment how fortunate we are to have such good friends and to work with such wonderful families. Our lives are very full and very happy.