The Watchman

The Watchman

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Month of Gratitude - November 23

When we first moved to Southern Utah, I worked at a little gift shop in the Outlet Mall.  Prior to us moving, Hunter had completed his first Eagle project, so assured that she would soon be attending his Eagle Court of Honor, my mother-in-law purchased not one, but three Mill Creek statuettes entitled Glory - one for each of my boys, from that little gift shop.

At the time I had total confidence that without a doubt all three boys would attain the rank of Eagle.  The older two were well on their way with merit badges, with Hunter only needing to complete one merit badge and the final application paperwork.  Jon was still in Cub Scouts, but he was excited about what he was doing and ready to follow in his brothers' footsteps.

Little did we know that it would be four years, another move and another project before Hunter had that Court of Honor and received his statuette from Grandma.

Wil's earning his award was even in greater jeopardy, when all his paperwork and project documentation was destroyed in our house fire.  During that time, Rick and I were too stressed and overwhelmed to argue, cajole, and try to persuade Wil to complete another project and the necessary paperwork.  Thank goodness his girlfriend's family stepped in with the needed encouragement and Wil too was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout submitting the final paperwork right on his 18th birthday.


Two down and only one to go.  When Wil received his Eagle, Jon was one merit badge and a project away from completing the requirements for his Eagle.  No sweat, we had a year left and his dad was the merit badge counselor and Jon was all but done with the requirements.  A project was a little trickier, but there were a couple of good options available to him.  Well, as is often the case, one thing led to another and before we knew it, the year had gone and we were left with only three months and no project.  Luckily we were able to find a project with the City of Hurricane, boys willing to help him, and all was completed and paperwork submitted again pushing that 18th birthday.


Today was Jon's Eagle Court of Honor.  Many of my family was able to be there.  Many of our friends joined us as well.  It was a great party to celebrate the accomplishments of a fine young man.  And Grandmas was finally able to present that final eagle she had purchased almost ten years ago.


4 comments:

  1. Congratulations to Jon! That's a great accomplishment. I hope Logan will get his Eagle but he seems singularly unmotivated so we shall see... So proud of the great boys you've raised!

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    1. I hope Greg is still participating with him. Scouting was the best thing for Rick and the boys as it gave them something to do together. It really struck me at Jon's Court of Honor as Rick spoke that all these scouting memories my boys have, have included their dad. I am not sure he would have been such a part of their lives otherwise because of work and school. I am truly grateful for this previously unperceived benefit of the scouting program.

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  2. What an accomplishment for all of your boys! Congrats to Jon for completing and to grandma for saving those gifts. Your boys must be so proud! Not as proud as their momma, of course :)

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    1. Their momma is very happy for them, but not as much as their dad. Rick never received his Eagle and has always regretted it. I am glad we all hung in there and made it happen.

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