10 October 2010

Day 329 – Grayson’s Journey


Dear family and friends

Today I was invited to attend the Court of Honor for the Verdugo Hills Council National Scout Jamboree Troop. For those not as immersed in Scouting as we are, a Court of Honor is an event to recognize and a celebrate accomplishments. Our council, like every other council in the Boy Scouts of America, organizes one or more troops to represent them at the National Scout Jamboree. Because of their size, some councils send as many as 20 troops – ours sends one. Each troop that a council sends is made up of 36 boys and 4 adults. There were close to 1000 troops at this year's Centennial National Scout Jamboree. Jamborees are typically held every four years – the last one was in 2005 and the next one will be held in 2013. The 2010 Jamboree was planned to be "off schedule" in order to be held during the centennial year of Scouting in America.

In the case of our National Scout Jamboree troop, this was their final event. The boy leadership was recognized for their good works, the adults that worked hard to make the trip a success were thanked and acknowledged, and the Scoutmaster was praised and thanked in the most special way – heartfelt thanks from teenage boys. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Sitting in the audience brought back a flood of memories for me, and memories that I know Grayson still has. For fun, here is a picture of our 2001 National Scout Jamboree Troop in front of their Gateway (Grayson is standing next to me in the back row – Austin is to the far left in the front row), a picture of Grayson and three fellow Scouts after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in 2001, and a picture of Austin and three fellow Eagle Scouts doing the same thing at the 2005 Jamboree (Austin is in the back on the right). Moments forever burned in our memories that even a catastrophic brain injury like Grayson's can't erase.

This evening Austin and Xixi came by for dinner on their way home from the (disappointing) USC game and weekender in the San Francisco Bay Area. We had a wonderful visit replete with good food, Wii and conversation. Grayson was particularly excited and animated this evening. What a delight that they choose to spend time with us when they can.

Pax!

Brant
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous11 October, 2010 08:29

    Hi Brant and Regina:

    I just love the Boy Scouts of America! Your family's enduring participation and leadership in Scouting is a hallmark of "cool" on you household. Seeing those pictures made pride well up in me for you, Grayson and Austin. So few boys take the opportunity of becoming a Scout, and following its leadership path to excellence [I wish I had taken full advantage of my Boy Scout and Explorer Scouting years]. Another in our family who became an Eagle Scout this year, and who also attended this year's Jamboree is my young hero and nephew Kevin Klett, who met two more of his cousins at the Jamboree who also attended! Wow, what great folks they are. And Grayson and Austin cap the list...quality through and through.

    In Him,

    Doug

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  2. Robin11 October, 2010 08:37

    Your posts are such an encouragement, Brant. I love hearing about Grayson's progress and the steps forward followed by some setbacks. He has persevered through many accomplishments in his life, aided by excellent parents. And with God's grace, the path he's on now will go further and more smoothly than it would otherwise have gone.

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