Sunday was the big day! I asked my dad a few months ago when the court of honor would be, since Nathan's board of review was last September, and he said he was just waiting for us to plan it. There were six boys who had earned their Eagle award over the past year (two from the same family), so the five moms got together and made it happen. It's a huge relief to have it done, and the evening was wonderful.
Gordon Clark printed large posters of the boys as cub scouts...adorable! Mike Dever, their Young Men's president, told stories about each boy as a child and as a teenager. I loved hearing about how different they all are, but how they each worked hard at earning their Eagle. Cathi Hepworth (whose two sons earned their Eagle) put together a great slide show showing them growing up through Scouting. It was like a sneak peek into their outings; several pictures I had never seen. It made me cry to see pictures of my dad on all the outings over the years, especially pictures of him when he was really sick a few years ago. He's never given up or let anything stop him from helping these boys.
It was such a touching experience to see my dad tear up talking about Nathan earning his Eagle. He's been a huge help during Nathan's whole scouting career, and without him, I can honestly say that Nathan would never have finished. It was an honor to have my dad present the award to Nathan, his first grandson to earn his Eagle. He's only got nine more to go (so far!) My dad is amazing. He gives so much to all the boys in the Scouting program and really wants to see them succeed, in life as well as in Scouting.
Brad's parents weren't able to be there since Morgan is still in the hospital, but Ashley and Jane came and brought Uncle Kenny, Aunt Shirley, Uncle Bob, and Aunt Mary Lou with them. I think there were close to 100 people at the court of honor, a great statement of how much love and support these boys get from their community.
I'm so proud of Nathan's accomplishment, and relieved that we made it through one son getting his Eagle award. I hope my dad is still the scout master for at least the next six to eight years so Ben will have the same opportunity to work with him.
My boys came home from that Court of Honor SOOOO excited about Scouting! It was the first time I've ever seen them enthusiastic about working toward their Eagles. They were especially moved by the Paddle Guard. Thanks for providing the inspiration. And I also THANK your dad for all that he does in our Scouting program.
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