Scouting's Highest Honor

From Wikipedia:
"The first Eagle Scout medal was awarded in 1912 to Arthur Rose Eldred, a 17-year-old member of Troop 1 of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York. Eldred was notified that he was to be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a letter from Chief Scout Executive James West, dated August 21, 1912. The design of the Eagle Scout medal had not been finalized by the National Council, so the medal was not awarded until Labor Day, September 2, 1912. Eldred was the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts; his son and grandson hold the rank as well.^[5][6] Since then, more than two million Scouts have earned the rank. In 1982, 13-year-old Alexander Holsinger, of Normal, Illinois, was recognized as the one-millionth Eagle Scout,^[4][7] and Anthony Thomas of Lakeville, Minnesota was the two-millionth in 2009.^[8][9]"

Mr. Eldred was the first of three generations of Eagle Scout in his family.  Last night, Bubba became the third generation of Eagle Scout in ours.

This was a day 13 years, 8 months and three weeks (exactly, by the way) in the making.

We have often laughed about the day that our little man was born.  He was the first grandson on my husband's side, my husband being one of three boys.  It was a big deal to the in-laws.

So while everyone was taking turns holding our sweet little newborn, Hubby and Father-in-Law were taking bets on when Bubba would Eagle.  Seriously.  They were both so excited to get to share their wonderful scouting experiences with a brand new scout.

I, of course, was the party pooper.  "Can we at least get through teething and potty training before we send him on a five-mile hike?"

My child, who never played a game to win, who never really set any goals, suddenly decided that he wanted to Eagle younger than his dad, earn more badges than his dad, and earn more palms than his dad.  Oh, and he wants to earn ALL the merit badges, too - all 130+.  There was a sudden change in this sweet boy when he crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts almost 3 years ago.  He had a mission.  And big shoes to fill - Hubby reached Eagle scout around the age of 15.  Hubby earned 57 merit badges, and a LOT of palms.

Well, the junior rock star in our family recently earned badge #66 - 9 more than his dad.  That puts him half way to his goal of earning all the merit badges.  And, with so many more badges available, he will definitely earn more palms.  And, now he reached the rank of Eagle Scout, roughly 2 years younger than his dad.

To say I am proud of him is an understatement.  I have watched my little boy grow into a mature, self-confident young man.  It's that feeling of when your heart is so full of love for your child that it flows out your eyes.

Have a great rest of the week!