Life Changes

It's amazing to me how your life can be altered to the core, in the blink of an Eye. In November of this last year, my Father became ill. A little over a month later, I lost my father to Cancer. This was not his first brush with this particular beast. Almost 20 years ago, he beat Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was an amazing man. A quiet man, I don't remember ever hearing him raise his voice. He was the kind of man that went through life quietly, and was very happy to remain unnoticed. I never knew how much I depended on his quiet strength. My minister told me shortly after it happened, that I would find that the thing I missed the most would be the answers. You see, my Dad was the person I turned to for the answers to all my questions. Over the last few years, the relationship between us had changed. I could see the respect growing in his eyes for the kind of parent I was becoming. I always told myself that I wanted to be the kind of parent that he was. Firm, yet understanding. I could always count on him to listen to whatever question I had, or whatever trouble I had gotten into, then be able to help me to find the right answer. He always supported whatever crazy idea I was into, and always made me feel proud of the work that I did. He showed me, through his example, what a work ethic was.


As my son continues to grow, I hope that I can be half the father my Dad was.

Thanks Dad. Thanks for everything you did for me. I miss you every day.

Oops, been awhile

WOW. It's hard to believe that my last post was back in June. Time flies, lol. The summer months are typically the most busy months for me at work, and this year has been no exception. In fact, we are now in October, and still trying to catch up. Scouting has started out full-bore with the Pack, and Popcorn sales are in progress.



Looking back at where I started in scouts as a Leader, and where I am now, it has been an amazing adventure. I have done things that I never would have considered. In fact, I have done alot of things that I would have been afraid to try, for fear of failing. For that reason, and a few more, I made the decision earlier this fall to step down from my job with the Pack, and step into a job with My son's Troop. I realized that by trying to do both, I was unable to do either one well enough. The times with My Pack, have been great, but my heart is with the Troop. It is wonderful to watch these young men start to come into their own, and become the men that will lead our nation.



I am gonna miss the enthusiasm, and just plain old joy on the faces of the younger guys when they get to do something new. That has always been my weak spot. I love seeing them happy. There is just something about the laughter of a child that can fix any problem, or stress level. My next big adventure is finishing out my WoodBadge ticket, and leading my new/old boys on a trip to FL in November. Kennedy Space Center, here we come.

Boy Scouts - The Next Generation

The next generation of boys coming up really impress me. Our troop just left for summer camp a few days ago. The Senior Patrol leader was unable to go, so the Scoutmaster asked for volunteers from the qualified Scouts. One lone Scout raised his hand and volunteered to help lead the troop. This scout is currently a Star Scout, and should attain his Life rank soon. He is a very courteous young man, but has never been one to step out like that and take on alot of extra responsibility. Don't get me wrong, he loves Scouting, he just has always been more of a follower than a leader. He's smart, but can be a little on the lazy side if we let him. He has never shirked hard work, when he is asked to do it, he just has never sought it out before.

To see this young man coming out of his boyish shell and stepping up makes me extremely proud. I have known this Scout for a long time. I was his leader when he was in Cub Scouts, and have followed his progress in the troop as well. I really feel that he is well on his way to an Eagle rank, and cannot wait to see the look on his face when he earns it.


By the Way, this particular Scout is my son.

Way to go Kyle

Shane Thomas

It's a fairly common name, but it belongs to a fairly uncommon man. An Eagle Scout, A Sherrif's Deputy, an intense believer in GOD, and a man that is dire need of many prayers.

I have never met Shane, that I am aware of. His picture looks familiar, so I have probably seen him around town, but do not know him.

Shane is a Deputy Sheriff for the Henderson county Sheriif's Office. He was injured while training. The extent of his injuries are still being evaluated, but his story is one of nothing less than proof of miracles.

Shane's Caring Bridge

Read the journal entries from the start and you will see what I mean.

Please keep Shane and his entire family in your thoughts, and prayers druing this difficult time in his life.

YIS

Memorial Day

Wow, its hard to believe that it is Memorial Day weekend again. Traditionally thought of as the beginning of summer, it seems to me that alot of people have forgotten the real reason for the holiday.

As the beginning of summer, everyone tends to go camping, or to the lake, or the beach, or out somewhere for a party. Now don't get me wrong, I am not against a fun get-together, I just want to make sure that we remember why we are having a good time. We are able to have a good time because of the sacrifice of The brave Men and Women in our Armed Forces.

Here is the Definition of Memorial Day according to Wikipedia:

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action."

(all links are the responsibility of Wikipedia, and not necessarily me)

So remember, go out, have fun, just remember what it took to give you that ability.

THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES THAT GAVE EVERYTHING FOR THEIR COUNTRY.

To Boldly Go.....

Friday night, my son and I went to see the new Star Trek movie. I realized afterwards that I had committed a major parental mistake. That was the first Star Trek movie that my 12 year old son had seen. That has now been corrected. We got home from the movie shortly before 11pm, after going to 3 different places to find other Star Trek movies. We spent the rest of Friday night, and alot of Early Saturday morning watching Star Trek. I realized that this was a good series for him to watch on TV. Without getting too deep into a philosophical discussion, Star Trek pits right against wrong, and generally right triumphs over wrong. This was the first weekend in a long time that I didn't have to get up and go Saturday morning. It was amazing to be able to spend that kind of time with my son. It was really a good moment for both of us. I can remember my father pulling me out of school early one day to go see the premier of one of the original Star Wars movies. I don't remember much about the movie, or the theater, but I do remember how I felt knowing my father wanted to spend that time with me. I hope my son remembers that as well when he grows up.

As for the movie, all I will say is that it is the first movie in many years that I am willing to pay to see again.

YIS

So Much to do, So Little Time, lol

WOW. It is Early May, and I just realized tonight that I have 1 weekend between now and the end of July that I don't have plans. If this keeps up, I will be planning next summer by Christmas this year. Most of my weekend events revolve around Scouting. It is truly amazing how I can devote so much time to something, and after 8 years, not hate it. I find myself enjoying it even more now. In the job that I do, I see alot of my scouts while they are in school. It never fails to amaze me at how the teachers can tell which students are scouts, and which aren't. I have been told time and time again, "you can see where Scouting is helping them to grow." I then think back to the Cub Scout "Law of the Pack", "The Cub Scouts follow Akela, The Cub Scouts help the pack go, The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow, Cub Scouts give GoodWill" If we could all remember this, and try harder to lead our everyday lives by the same Law, we would all be fine.

YIS