It is only a little block of wood that a boy named Peter carved into an Indian head tie-slide 50 years ago. It is cleverly carved and painted. Peter's sister gave it to my grandson about a week ago.
Tonight was a Scout Court of Honor for Troop 1807. My grandson Matthew was the MC. He dressed up in his Scout uniform this afternoon. He put on his tie rolled in its 12 twists and threaded his tie through the carved Indian head.
When our son Duncan got up to give the "Scoutmaster Minute" at the end of the Court of Honor tonight, he talked about the things we leave behind. He talked about footprints we leave behind. He held up the little Indian head slide and talked about Peter. Peter carved that Indian head the day he returned with his mom from a Scout camping trip. On the way home Peter and his mom were both killed in a car wreck. That little Indian head slide is one of the things Peter left behind. Our son challenged the boys and others there to consider what they might leave behind.
Then the end of the program came and our grandson announced that a Scout named Ryan would play taps. His dad helped Ryan wheel to the front. Ryan - BIG grin on his face - touched his computer smart board attached to his power chair and the sound of taps played while his fellow Scouts sang the words:
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Peter left a wonderful carved Indian head that my grandson will wear and treasure. I hope Matthew will pass it along to his own little boy some day! The story of Peter made an imprint on my heart tonight.
AND Scout Ryan also left his imprint on my heart with his beautiful smile and his obvious joy in being a part of Troop 1807 . It DOES matter what we leave behind! I doubt I will ever hear Taps played without thinking of a Scout with a chest full of badges he's earned and a BIG bright smile! God is nigh!
I wish for them to care about forgiveness and kindness.
