Last week Dylan received his Eagle badge at his troop's Court of Honor. Since it was the badge corresponding to the highest ranking in Scouts, Dylan gave a speech to his troop. In it, he thanked the older scouts who mentored and helped him up the ranks. He then thanked adults in the troop who led activities needed for him to achieve Eagle status. He acknowledged my contributions, but really my involvement with the troop was an excuse to spend more time with Dylan.
He saved his highest praise and gratitude, however, for Jenny. His words included the following:
"Most of all I'd like to thank my mom who pushed me harder than I would have been able to push myself. She showed me I could to a lot more than I could have otherwise"
In his emotional speech he touched the hearts of those in the audience. The troop's Scoutmaster wrote Dylan that night, after the Court of Honor:
Thank you for making me comfortable shedding tears in public with you. You created that "safe space" for me. Your courage is an inspiration, and you give your mom's memory the utmost honor by paying her respect and by being not afraid to share your true emotions in front of a large room filled with friends and strangers. Tonight, you made all of those strangers your friend.
I know that she (and your dad) are so proud of you. You show her honor every day by the way you are living your life; by the choices you are making; by the way you are moving forward, climbing higher, and making the most of every day.
Dylan opened the ceremony with his role as Bugler (left, photo below). As an aside, Dylan has been playing his horn at a number of scouting events, including a District dinner last night.
Congrats and hugs to Dylan. Mittu
Congrats to Dylan! We are so proud of him!