My son had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor today...after 12 years in scouting. Although I've been to others' ceremonies, it is very touching when your own child achieves this level. I hadn't really felt so emotional about it before, but I guess part of it comes with graduation from High School & heading off to college. I know many of you have been there before me. My congrats go out to each you who have had sons go through it; as there is a lot of commitment in the later years for community service & projects.
I can say that my once painfully shy son, can speak confidently in public & has become a leader as a result of the scouting experience. His first aide training has already come into good use when last year, as a camp counselor, a young boy had a large tree branch fall on his head. It was a fluke incident, but required my son to carry this 8 year old back the 2.5 miles to the main camp, stopping at a remote cabin on the way to administer temporary first aide for bleeding to his head. After stitches the boy was able to return the following week. It was a good lesson for them all; and thankfully had a happy ending. My son's years of cross-country running gave him the stamina to run that far, without losing precious time. He never saw this capability in himself before that day, but I am confident if he sees someone in distress he will not hesitate to take action now.
I know the dear people I have met on this board will not take this as a bragging moment, it is not intended as such. I am just feeling very touched by seeing the change in my little wall-flower.
Sincerely, Cathy T.