Back Again Where He Belongs

Two years ago, a tornado destroyed much of the Little Sioux Scout Ranch that Mr. C was at last week. This is a Chapel they built on the site where the boys took shelter during the storm and four scouts were killed when the building collapsed. The wood for the walls comes from trees that fell during the storm. Mr. C said that the parents of the boys who died came to the site on Friday night (the 2nd Anniversary of the Tornado) to pay their respects.

Knowing that Mr. C was sleeping and living in that exact area two years later makes his homecoming even more bittersweet. Thrilled that my child was not there and heartbroken for those four mothers who so much wanted the homecoming we received!

Mr C is back where he belongs; Home Sweet Home.

We picked him up Saturday Morning from Boy Scout Leadership Camp a little lighter in pant size, but with a backpack that weighed probably ten-fifteen more pounds due to the "water content" alone.

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It rained almost every night and Friday night's rain was one of the hardest of the week. Let's just say that picking him up at 9 am left little time for the sleeping bag, tent or clothing to dry. Carrying his pack up to the pickup spot, he looked exhausted and spent. It took everything not to run up to him and grab the pack off his back and help him, but it was all part of the process. Learning to do it himself and trusting that he had the ability, strength and determination to complete it strong!

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In complete disclosure, it took both my husband and my dad to help carry the pack to the trunk of the car. It was that heavy. When we arrived home, we had about a quart of water that pooled where the pack had been.

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Amazingly the tent, sleeping bag and gear all dried out without damage. His clothing and supplies were wet, but not ruined. Mr. C had done a great job of keeping the water from destroying his things. A few hours of drying on our lawn and driveway and the tent looked as good as new and the gear cleaned up perfect. Of course now that Miss A and Miss M know that we can set the tent up in the lawn, they are thinking of "camping" in the backyard this summer.

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After a week of tons of rain, we were expecting the worse, but Mr. C proved himself a real Scout. He came home having learned a ton of new skills, gained confidence in himself as a leader and enjoyed the experience. He's even said he's willing to go to camp again even though this has never been his favorite part of Scouting. Next summer, he's thinking of signing up for a High Adventure Camp which before last week, he'd never even considered.

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To celebrate Mr. C's return on Saturday Night, we had Root Beer Floats and watched the Toy Story I and II Marathon on TV. It doesn't seem all that long ago that Mr. C was running around the house with his Toy Buzz Lightyear yelling: "Too Infinity and Beyond!

Now he's learning not only how to survive in harsh weather, but to do it with style. We are so proud of him!!

A reference to Buzz Lightyear's Famous Phrase: "It's not flying, it's falling with style"

Empty Seat

The whole family tried the Final Backpack on ... Mr.C looks the best with it on his back.

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There has been an empty seat in the car this week as we've driven to VBS and our errands about town. Mr. C who normally occupies the front passenger seat has been away at Boy Scout Leadership Training camp all week.

I'm really missing my buddy.

Mr. C in the official Class A uniform with the Pahuk Pride Hat, Windshirt, Water Bottle and Guide.

It's funny that the seat empty in the car has bothered me so much. It's only been in the last year that he's been tall enough and weighed enough "not" to deactivate the air bag system. He loves sitting in the front seat. Until this week, I didn't realize that I love it too.

C and all his gear for the week, walking away to join the group.

When Mr. C is not in the car, I use that seat as my credenza. It holds my purse, phone, notes, schedule, a book to read, etc. In essence, it's my office on wheels. I've often sighed deeply when Mr. C wants to sit there and my stuff is piled high. I've asked him why not just sit in the middle row with Miss A. We have a mini van so it's not like we are out of seats.

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But, I'm realizing what a special time that is when Mr. C in the navigator's seat. We talk. He talks. We laugh. I learn a lot about what is going on in his life and head. To have that open communication with a 13 year old boy I realize is precious. It's a treasure.

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Sure I'm giving up "my space", I loose my office on wheels and the flexibility to have everything I need at arms reach. The payoff however is so much greater.

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As a mother, I often need to sacrifice "me" and my comforts for the greater good. Too often, I grumble in my heart about having to give up so much for my children. I resent that I have to be the one to do all the work or give up my plans to accommodate their needs and schedules.

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Having an empty seat in the van this week has given me a new perspective on those sacrifices. I've seen that by giving up just a little of my self and moving "my things" around to accommodate others allows me great blessings. Blessings like having a son who brings much joy and happiness to our lives. In whom we have great hope and in great pride for who he is on the inside and out.

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Just remind me of that on Saturday when he brings home a load full of dirty smelly and "wet" clothes and I spend hours with the washing machine on "Sanitary" Cycle! I might need another reminder next week when my pile on the passenger seat is stacked and I pick Mr. C up from the golf course and he pushes those things aside to sit there and tell me all about his game.