I know that I'm growing old.

[Eamonn]

The HS which is trying to educate my son held the prom yesterday.

I missed the Grand March last year as I was in the hospital.

When I was in England we never had such an event.

As per my instructions I arrived 45 minutes early. Sadly this year Her Who Must Be Obeyed was in the hospital.

OJ had borrowed my super duper camera to take pictures of his Eagle project and hadn't recharged them. So it wasn't going to work. I know I should have checked.

I sat waiting for things to start.

Being a small town I like to think that I know everyone. But there were people I hadn't seen in a long time.

Parents of kids who at some time I'd been involved with either through Scouting, soccer, or different committees. They looked old. Some had lost a lot of hair, some were showing a lot of grey. I'm glad that I went grey really early and have looked old for ever!

A couple of girls from the Ship were there. They looked great. So different than they did on Monday when they were hanging from ropes.

The boys looked good, some seemed more uncomfortable than others in their tuxes.

But were these really the little fellows who were just starting Tigers when I was leaving the pack? The little fellows who would stop playing soccer to stand and watch passing planes?

Some looked like they could be hit-men for the Mafia. Others looked like head waiters.

I have to own up to feeling a little bit smug!! I knew most of the boys and feel that at some time I have played a part, be it a very small part in helping them become the people that they are.

I've sat on the Eagle Scout BOR's, arranged scholarships for a few.Helped with different things over the years.

OJ should graduate this year, but I held him back in second grade, because I wasn't happy with his reading. He had taken one of the cars and made arrangements to go out for breakfast with some of the other kids.

I had the house to myself last night, just the dogs and me. I'm not used to being alone.

This time next year, the prom will be overshadowed by graduation. OJ knows which college he wants to attend, I'm hoping that Her Who Must Be Obeyed is better.

I just wish I felt old. I know I'm getting there, but deep down I don't feel any older than I did when I was in my twenties.

Eamonn.

[baden]

E-man-

 

Remember, you're only young once, but you can be immature forever!!!

 

Baden

[Eamonn]

I like to think more along the lines of a fine wine.

Eamonn.

[jr56]

That is what I like most about scouting. Seeing young men that have grown up, and you can't belive that they are the same terrors from their first year at summer camp. Hope your wife gets well soon Eamonn.

[seabear]

Wish your wife a speedy recovery.

When I grow up, not sure I want to, but at this stage the body is already descending rapidly to the inurn of dust

 

[red feather]

Best of wishes to She Who Must Be Obeyed, you and yours, she and you and yours will be in my thoughts.

 

As one who has the t-shirt that I think you have a copy of, just rememeber that those who look upon you with respect, honor, wonderment, bafflement and trepidation will always at some point remember that..... you might just have some idea that you might have known what you were talking about.

 

That is what we do and enjoy doing it. At some point each of them will understand just what you mean when you say that you are glad to be on the green side of the grass and enjoy the elevator music that recalls our younger days. (How did Jimi ever get turned into Muzac?)

 

Keep on trucking and remember there are always scouts (and scouters) that need to hear what you say and one day will have the great big Ding that will put it all in perspective for them.

 

Not getting old, just trailwise and somewhat experienced.

yis

[Eamonn]

Thanks for the kind words and well wishes.

I have just read the Thread where Kahuna has posted that she is leaving.

Needless to say I'm saddened by it.

Your kind words and wishes have helped soften the blow.

Kahuna

If you are still out there.

Please know that we do have some of the cream of the crop posting in this forum.

In my book you were part of the cream.

I for one benefited from your wise words and your wisdom.

Thank You.

Eamonn.