So on Thursday this past week Josh was presented with the "Order of the Arrow". It's something they do in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. I wasn't aware of what it really entails, but you pretty much have to go through all of the requirements for the Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos ranks to be considered. It's a cool little ceremony, involving a bridge. So, the Cub Master put together this bridge that's about six feet long. Suspended across this bridge were little sections of string, which each represented an advancement or, "Trail" for each of the aforementioned ranks. As Josh walked up onto the bridge, one of the cub leaders described the Bobcat rank and how it's attained, it's importance etc. Then onto the Wolf, Bear etc. I really wasn't aware of how big this ceremony was going to be. Stacey had said that Josh's Cub Master wanted me to prepare a few words to say as his father during the ceremony. Never having been part of one, or even seen one, I prepared a single-page document that I though befitting of an 11 year old boy. I'll include it here so you know what was said:
"Josh, today you have been inducted into the Arrow of Light. I want you to know how proud both your mother and I are of you. This symbolic step you’re making marks the hallmark of your transition from a Cub Scout, into the Webelos and on to becoming a Boy Scout. Your cub leaders have asked that I say a few words during this ceremony. Each step along the way as you progress through this ceremony has deep and profound meaning; the significance of which you won’t fully understand until later in life. Josh you are surrounded and loved by so many people. Everyone assembled here tonight; your leaders, parents, siblings, neighbors, grandparents and other see your unlimited potential.
However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It’s important to remain grounded. To that end, your leaders have asked me to tell some funny, interesting, or novel things about you. So prepare yourself, this may sting a little.
Josh, now that you are a member of the Order of the Arrow, I am hoping I will never have to remind you to tie your own shoes. Least-wise not thirteen times a day. Now that you are advancing to Webelos, I know you will not go to scouts with unspecified stains on your wrinkled un-tucked and unkempt shirt. Josh, additionally I know this means you will never come home after being gone and immediately bother your sisters who were just playing quietly prior to your return.
Josh, you are an intelligent boy. Each and every time I see your mischievous little smirk I know you’re going to do something, or say something which will be of great embarrassment to someone in the room. Secretly I love that about you, but I have to side with your mother when it’s inappropriate. Learn to bridle that and know your audience. Perhaps mocking the chorister in primary may not be the ideal time to exercise your creativity.
I love that you’re active. Some of my favorite things to do with you involve being outdoors. You may not know this but one of which was the time you made me take you in the canoe last year. You’ve always impressed me with your ability to hike and your level of seriousness in learning those things involved in being outdoors which are vital to your safety. It’s shown me you have a level of seriousness that can be exercised when it’s most important.
Lastly Josh, you are a blessing to our family. You keep your mother and I busy to say the least. Whether its football, hunter’s safety, taking you places or bailing you out of the principal’s office we believe in you. We know what an incredible man you will one day become. This is your first step in your advancement. Please recognize it for what it is, the first of many accomplishments which will aid you in learning to conduct yourself as a worth priesthood holder in all of your future capacities. I have no doubt you will be successful in anything you righteously desire in this life. I’m so very proud to call you son. I’m so humbled by the opportunity not only teach you, but to learn from you as well.
Son we love you so very much. Congratulations.
Now tie your shoes please."
I had prepared this little ditty sort of as a tongue-in-cheek way of both ribbing my son and also telling him how proud I personally am, and how jointly his mother and I feel about him. However, as I began to read through it, I realized how personal it was starting to become, and how much it was beginning to affect me. Toward the end, I really got pretty choked up. I think I am realizing how fast this little man is maturing.
Yesterday he went with his grandpa Bill and his uncle Brandon to the Magna Gun Club. First off, anytime you drive into Magna it's a good idea to have a gun period, but they were going to shoot Josh's 20 Gauge shotgun that he just acquired as a result of his birthday. It's important to note here that Grandpa Bill is more than excited to buy Josh guns and guy stuff years ahead of what I personally believe he can even handle them. However, when I returned from my conference today, I was pleased to hear that Josh had shot 7/25 clay pigeons the first round and 15/25 the second. Apparently he was even making uncle Brandon mad, and I bet if I probed a little deeper Josh will admit missing a couple on the second round to smooth over the growing anger from Uncle Brandon that an 11 year old was beginning to shoot better than he was.
I think on Thursday I wasn't prepared to get emotional. I got the same way when I baptized Josh. I think you go in knowing all the details, worried about the protocol, and not so focused on the moment. But when the moment is upon you, you're suprised by the well-spring of emotion that results. I am frankly not ready for Josh to be doing the things I see him doing. The other day we went to his sisters' dance recital. Josh was bored to tears, which I am totally supportive of...that is, until the fifteen to seventeen year-old girls got up, and he sat straight up in his chair and was riveted to the action playing out on the stage. See sometimes, I actually hear his little thoughts in his head. His primary teachers, the Savages recounted a story in which he was again seemingly uninvested until one of the girls started talking about a slumber party and how they started to wrestle during the party. Josh again came out of his boy-coma and said, "Girl WRESTLING???!!!" But...see, I know exactly what charged his interest. He's not sure why he likes girls, but he knows their an interesting sort. He doesn't want anything to do with the girls his age, but gets really quirky when the older girls come around.
I think for me, it's watching the discovery roll across his little face. All these new and exciting things the world has to offer. The kid talks non-stop when we go somewhere. For some reason, he only wants to ask in-depth questions when one of my favorite songs is on the radio. I think he gets that part from his mother. Stacey wont say more than 100 words in a given day, until you're locked in the car for a three-hour drive. She'll talk from Salt Lake to Nephi, but as soon as we lose all radio contact will roll to the window and pass out or worse yet read her book. It's the dangdest thing really. No one wants to talk until I want to hear something else.
Where were we??? Oh, yeah, so anyhow, watching this kid discover things is a real blessing. Yesterday he was asking me about hydrogen bombs, and the difference between nuclear bombs. Then we delved into fusion bombs verses fissionable bombs. Then we crested over into Uranium 235 and isotopes and how you create fissionable materials from spent fuel-rods. Then we talked a little about Iran, and the goings-on in Japan...I tell ya, the kid just plain wears me out.
Dont ever get him started on guns. I have no idea what he's talking about with the new guns out there. Grandpa Bill brings over these gun magazines and the kid just devours them. So, to date, Josh now owns a Henry lever-action .22 and now a Mossberg 20 Gauge shotgun. Both of which are excellent guns. Anyhow, I go to work, and come home and throughout the day sometime he's advanced all the more. I'm nervous that next year he'll be getting the Priesthood and passing the sacrament. He even asked me the other day if he can have Big Green when he turns sixteen. Which, I realized is entirely possible, since it's only five years hence. I choked back my distain at the idea of parting with my best girl and just let on that he couldnt afford to feed her, that we'd want to get him a little pickup that was more economical. Truth be told I am not so sure I want that kid rolling around town with a Chevy Big Block 454 at his disposal. Never mind it has an 8' bed that never has to be made. If it weren't for trucks we wouldnt have tail gates. I met all my wives, in traffic jams there's just somethin' women like about a pickup man.
Alright kids. Time to get back into the fray. You kids have a great day. Time to get invested again. Ya'll come back now ya heah?
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