a fine young man

We had the privilege to participate in an Eagle Scout ceremony a couple of weekends ago, and it was an amazing afternoon.

To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a young man has to put in many hours of leadership, learning, commitment, and service to others. To achieve that rank at the age of 15 is pretty remarkable. Only two percent of scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle, scouting's highest award, since it's inception in 1911.

The ceremony honoring Austin Lane was beautiful, and meaningful. Charlie was honored to participate, as Austin is pretty much his adoptive big brother.

Mike, Austin's dad, has spent years helping build Pinewood Derby cars, serving as a Scoutmaster, taking Austin and his brother Alec on multiple camping trips, and fostering the environment to encourage his boys to succceed. Hats off to Tracy, the mom behind the scenes, who was always there for help with merit badges or making sure there were fresh cookies for the campout, and letting her boys know they could achieve anything they set their mind to. And a special honor, for sewing on all of those merit badges through the years (and she didn't cheat, and use a hot glue gun...)

Mike gave a beautiful speech during the cermony, and I found myself dabbing my eyes with my apron. What a wonderful bond those two have.

Tracy, being Italian, served a 'light lunch' that was of course a buffet that left everyone stuffed. Her sister Denise even made and brought Austin's favorite Porketta sandwich, all the way from the Iron Range!

It was a wonderful afternoon, and the Lane family did themselves proud.

Charlie really looks up to Austin. He 'hangs out' with Charlie when Mike and I have a rare date night, plays football with Charlie, and helped him through homesickness at scout camp this summer. Charlie enjoys all of the advantages of having an older brother, without having to deal with any of that sibling rivalry business.

And I can't imagine a better role model for my son to have.

Congratulation Austin, job well done.