LunaPierCook’s Teen Tech Achieves Eagle Scout
Posted on 14 January 2008 under BlogsMonroe, Special Events
My son Aaron, aka BlogsMonroe’s Teen Tech, speaks at the podium
at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Tecumseh Evangelical Friends
Church in Tecumseh, Michigan yesterday afternoon.
Just a few years ago at my parents’ house I was cooking at the stove. I’d inadvertantly left the handle of one of the pots pointed off the stovetop, and of course my mom walked by. The former Girl Scout leader turned it and, in a moment of total brain-dump, blurted out, “Gee Dave, weren’t you ever a Boy Scout?” My jaw dropped and, rather firmly, I pointed out, “No mom, you wouldn’t let me!”
That’s the God’s-honest truth there. I was made to join the YMCA’s Indian Guide program back in the late 1960s-early 70s.
There’s zero comparison between the two programs.
Yesterday afternoon at Tecumseh Evangelical Friends Church over in Tecumseh, my mom was in tears with the rest of us as the young men of Boy Scout Troop 632 honored my 18-year-old son Aaron, BlogsMonroe’s own Teen Tech, with the rank of Eagle Scout.
After the Scouts carried out Aaron’s elaborate and deeply-meaningful Rank Advancement ceremony, in front of the assembly of over 100 people, as I fumbled, trying to slide the intricate Eagle Scout Slide over the neatly-rolled ends of Aaron’s new Eagle Scout neckerchief without dropping anything, without screwing up ends the neckerchief, as Scoutmaster Mark Kirkendall looked on, trying to prevent himself from grabbing the thing away from me and yelling, “Oh for God’s sake, it’s easier than that!” …
This dad carries a considerable amount of pride for this young man. Aaron has moved far beyond anything I did at his age. Fresh out of high school I cooked at a YMCA camp near Irons, Michigan. Aaron will also be working at a camp this summer. Right after graduation he’ll have the position of Head Commissioner at the Boy Scouts’ Camp Tapico near Kalkaska, with the task of being the lead liaison between the campers and the Camp Director.
18 years old and he already has an office of his own waiting for him.
He also runs his own web design/computer repair/networking business with multiple professional clients. Two of his clients, a husband-and-wife team of chiropractor and professional photographer, were proudly in-attendance at Aaron’s ceremony yesterday, smiling broadly, and in tears with the rest of us.
All of this was flashing through my mind as I fumbled with that neckerchief, trying not to make a fool of myself, trying not to embarrass the son I’m so damned proud of.
Finally, it worked. Finally, I was able to step back and have a look. Aaron smiled at me.
This is my son, with whom I am well-pleased.
Dangitall, where’s that box of Kleenex …
Update: I’ve left a post over on Aaron’s own blog where you can post comments he’ll see in his email inbox. Of course, you’re more than welcome to comment in either location. Thanks!
Read Comments
XHTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
* Required. Your email will never be displayed in public.
Sponsors
14 January 2008 @ 5:50 am Posted by Paula Wethington
That’s awesome! Congrats to Aaron and family!
14 January 2008 @ 5:56 am Posted by Char James-Tanny
Congratulations
(to both of you!)
14 January 2008 @ 8:41 am Posted by Old Millington Guy
An extremely impressive accomplishment. Congratulations to Aaron (and to a proud family as well).
14 January 2008 @ 3:32 pm Posted by Rebecca Regnier
Impressive for both father and son. Good job LPC and Son. WOW!!!
(p.s. when I read you were well pleased I choked up)
14 January 2008 @ 5:13 pm Posted by Dave
Thanks, everyone! I’m working on the video now. Aaron’s asked the I YouTube his speech, so that’s what I’m trying to move toward.
14 January 2008 @ 7:27 pm Posted by JEP
Congratulations to all of you! My three brothers all achieved the Eagle Scout honor…I loved every minute of being a Boy Scout sister as we went to many Jamborees.
15 January 2008 @ 7:19 am Posted by Mary
Aaron you are your own person. Sometimes misunderstood, but always with a big heart! Your position as Camp Commissioner at Camp Tapico this summer will be a perfect place for you to exercise that heart. I know that you will be successful!
From Your Evil Step-Monster
I too am VERY proud!
Mary
16 January 2008 @ 3:51 pm Posted by Dan Shaw
Dave:
Congratulations. A super accomplishment.
My wife and I talk a lot about how little credit we deserve for our kids’ successes (and, of course, how little blame for their failures). Aaron earned this honor himself. But as a parent, it sure feels great, doesn’t it.