He Grows And Roots Ever Deeper Into My Heart

There's always a party flake, isn't there, showing up in body but whose mind is somewhere else? That's me, this week. But I'm O.K. admitting that, because the truth is that my family - my most fun-nest party (of 5) - is into their own festive antics this week, so I'm just going to have to say a quick "hello", get to know the names and faces, and call you back at "home" when I get a chance later. Yes, I've got somewhere better to be right now, but as far as I can tell, this party is full of women who get it. Babies before boas and tiaras.

Even if one of those "babies" really isn't anymore. Yesterday, Dalton and I spent a really wonderful evening at his very first "Troop Recruitment Fellowship," for Boy Scouts. Troop Recruitment is very similar to sports recruiting in that the boys visit a variety of different organizations in meet and greet style, getting to know the current members while they give their best spiel on the specific philosophies unique to them as a group. They in turn get to know our boys and what they want to achieve through Scouting.

Watching Dalton interact in this process just blew me away. I don't know why I was so surprised by his high level of professionalism. Dalton has always been a very kind and responsible, very smart boy. But that's just it. He has always been A BOY. A kind and responsible, smart and rowdy, silly and immature little boy. Last night, I saw something in him I have always known he had the potential for. It just seems like that potential was being fulfilled so very much sooner than I would have anticipated.

After the fellowship time, when the official meeting was being called to order, I took a seat in unfamiliar territory at the back of the room. No longer was I sitting beside my son for support. Instead I watched with bitter sweet emotions as he walked boldly forward to take his seat amongst the men. A boy, decidedly younger-looking than the muscular teen-aged scouts not far from graduation, but then he took his turn at speaking. With confidence and humility, he explained what he has enjoyed most about scouting, how he plans to use his growing knowledge to succeed in life (he wants to be a pilot), and how he would use his scouting experience to influence others. He said his goal is to aim for the highest Eagle Scout rank, but only if he can do so while putting God, family and school first! I sat in utter amazement, knowing my son has always strived to make God and us proud, but never quite so aware of this depth of thought going on inside of his heart nor the eloquence with which he could explain himself!

During the question and answer session, several of the boys raised their hands to offer somewhat rambling stories of limited relevance to the topics being discussed. As parents, we are used to this. These are elementary aged boys after all, and my son has not been immune to this in the past. But as I sat there, almost out of body, and witnessed the Troop leader and members marvel at the thoughtfulness of my son's questions, I was equally as impressed. Had he been someone else's son I was watching, I still would have taken notice. How proud he made me to call him my son! This "child" was teetering somewhere in the middle between the rowdy goofiness of a school boy and ,at that moment, an ermerging young man. My heart was bursting with gratitude and pride at the smart and assured manner with which he was handling himself. As he finished his visit with eye contact and hand shakes, he turned to me and nonchalantly offered, "I love you, Mom." I think I melted in a puddle right there! As my little boy grows and matures, there are days I find myself fighting the inevitable sadness of letting go of the innocence of baby days gone by. But to temper that, God gives me glorious glimpses of new accomplishments and decisive victories of a young man I am so very proud to know!

In the end, I don't think this is probably the troop with which Dalton will align himself and we both agreed on that. They were friendly and capable and helpful, but they probably just weren't "it" for reasons unrelated to their character. But I am convinced that when Dalton does make his decision, it will be to the benefit of the Troop he selects. I say that not just as a proud mom, but as someone simply blessed to be able to know him. Blessed to be consulted as he begins to form goals and excercise his growing independence. Blessed to watch him grow into the person God intends for him to be. Blessed to there for him on the days when he wants to slide back into the safety of boyhood. Blessed to watch him become someone very special, apart from his place as the first born child of our family. Blessed to watch first hand as God molds him into a leader, a loyal friend, a successful Scout, and a fine YOUNG MAN!

To all of those who left such sweet comments of good wishes toward my daughter, Thank You for your kindness. She did stay home from school today with a fever and slept for most of the afternoon, but she is a good patient and we hope with all of the rest, she can return to school tomorrow or Thursday. Then don't be surprised if I stop by your blog for a while!