An Eagle Scout Ceremony

Brian , Kid, Joey, and Young'un

     Yesterday was a fantastic day!  No, it wasn't because of Superbowl Sunday.  Yes, I know who played, who won, and all about the power outage.  I had front row seats...from the couch.  What I'm talking about is what happened before all of that....
     You see, yesterday my round about family members, Joey and Brian, had their Eagle Scout ceremony.  I say round about because my father-in-law married a wonderful woman who, when she became part of the family, of course, brought her family along, and now we're a much bigger and fantastic family.  With that marriage came her grandsons (that'd be Joey and Brian, along with their parents, of course).  Whew!  I may just need a chocolate bar after sorting all that out.  I suppose Joey and Brian are like our nephews, since their parents are our step-brother-and-sister-in-law...I think...
     Anyhow, we were honored to be invited to Joey and Brian's Eagle Scout ceremony yesterday afternoon.  Truly honored.  You see, becoming an Eagle Scout is a real big deal.  Not everyone gets to be one.  It takes hard work and determination, and even when you have that, you still might not become an Eagle Scout.  In fact, here's a tidbit of information for you - In all the years we've been electing Presidents of the United States, we've had just one that has been an Eagle Scout.  That's right...one - Gerald Ford.  John F. Kennedy, however, was the first President to be elected who has been a Boy Scout (he was a Star Scout).  Some were Cub Scouts, some were scout leaders, and all have been fantastic supporters of the Boy Scouts of America, but only one so far has reached over the Star, past the Life, and soared onto the Eagle.  
     Becoming an Eagle Scout is an achievement only a small percentage of Boy Scouts obtain.  Just think about how many boys you know, and now how many that are actually Scouts, and they're less than a dime a dozen.  Becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and dedication, not getting lost in other aspects of life, and keeping their eye on achieving that goal.  They need to find balance in their day-to-day to get it all done and not fall behind in things.  Think about it, a boy becomes an Eagle Scout when he's a teenager, folks.  They're already having to deal with school, college choices, raging hormones, and girls.  That in itself is enough to make my eyes cross.  They need family and community support.  Joey and Brian are fortunate to have such wonderful and supportive parents who are there for them when they need it.  In fact, their dad is also an Eagle Scout.  Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.  
     Yesterday Kid took part in the ceremony by participating in the presentation of colors by carrying the American flag in.  That was not only something he was thrilled to be asked to do, but it also helped him earn his Second Class badge, which he'll be wearing with pride later in the month.  It was exciting to see so many Boy Scouts in the room, along with family, friend, school employees, and community members.  Everyone was there to cheer Joey and Brian on and help them celebrate their accomplishment.  
     So, there you have it, folks.  Joey an Brian.  Eagle Scouts.  They worked hard and didn't give up.  Do I think it's worth it?  Absolutely!  They have also shown Kid and Young'un that they, too, have the ability to do what they need to do and become an Eagle Scout.  Congratulations, Joey and Brian, you guys rock!  Smiling & Waving, Sharon

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