As many of you know, Ive been involved in scouting off and on since 1977, most recently celebrating my 7th consecutive year as a scout volunteer. I spent the weekend at a camporee in the Chickamauga Battlefield where I was witness to many moments of leadership. Many of our younger scouts arent so young anymore and it can sometimes be emotionally overwhelming to see the maturity changes and the dedication that so many boys have toward others. Within our society, theres a been a statistical shift in the responsibilities that men used to take on but now simply choose to walk away when things get tough. Certainly, there are a multitude of reasons for this but the effect is tragic, often leaving few positive role models for boys to aspire to. But if what I saw this weekend can be used as an indicator, perhaps that slide can somehow be stayed within the next generation of families. I actually saw a new 10 year old scout say he was thankful for Ryan this weekend, for never losing his patience with the 7 of them, even when they may not have been focused on the challenges of the day. Interesting vision from what some might dismiss as just a 10 year old. Im truly blessed to have been able to share my time with my own son with a such a remarkable heritage and Im hopeful for our future. How many dads ever get a chance to see their son impact the lives of those now relying on him, and take no public credit for his role? As I grow older, Im so ever more thankful for those that were there for me as I grew up and those that have volunteered so much time for my son. Youve made a difference in Ryans life and it has now begun to spill over into the next class of up and coming boys. I cant wait to see what the next several years may hold, and Im so very proud of the man my son is becoming. #thekidisgonnabeok. Thank you all.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 01:18:22 +0000
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