About Us
Mission Statement
Rules of Conduct
 
Name:
Pswd:
Remember Me
Register
 

Duty to Others
Author: TriSec    Date: 05/03/2008 10:50:28

Good Day.

Well, by now most of you know that I had an opportunity to relocate to Maine. You also probably know it didn't work out. It wasn't work; it was the home front. Without baring my soul too much....Mrs. TriSec and I faced a true marital crisis over this one. We've been through many things together, but for the first time, the thought of leaving did cross my mind.

We're over the hump now, after a few tumultuous weeks...and there's a reason I was able to pull myself back together. In times of need, we all go back to that rock, that one thing we've always turned to in a time of need.

You probably know that I've been a Scout and Scouter since I was 8 years old. 2008, in fact, is my 20th year as a registered adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

Disparate things? Maybe. Or Maybe not.

When I was in eighth grade, my parents divorced. My father broke the news to me on the one and only canoe trip I went on as a scout...I never forgot it. Somewhere out on the Saco river, my world came crashing down around me. But I had that anchor, that one constant. Mrs. TriSec chides me over not being home on Tuesday nights. It's true...for over 20 years of my life, Tuesday was a scout night.

I am eternally thankful that I had such a man as "J.V" [name redacted] as my scoutmaster. When I needed someone who would be there to support me, without judgement, and encourage me to believe in myself and reach for the stars....he was there. In fact, to this day, when I am asked to list personal references on a resume...I always include "Mr. V." of Saugus, MA.

So....I went for days in a tailspin, moping about, sorry for myself, mad at the world, mad at my wife, wondering if everything we've done and suffered through was for naught. Until that first Friday, when I had to put on the brave face and lead a Pack meeting. Well, I have to tell you, for those two hours that week, I was the man. All the parents looking to me for leadership, all the kids looking for encouragement and praise...and I got through.

But it wasn't until this past weekend that it really came home for me.

On April 26, I attended the Nationally-mandated "Baloo" (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training down at Camp Sayre in Milton. Council now requires all trip leaders to have the piece of paper, and experience counts for nothing, so I had a rather pleasant afternoon snoozing and schmoozing through the class.

Over lunch, I was talking to two of our pack parents that came down for the training. One is a single mother, whose son is a quiet, shy boy...and she was looking forward to my taking over their den next season, as I'm going to be the Bear Den Leader. She was eternally thankful that I would do this...and she repeatedly said she was hopeful that having a male influence for her son would be beneficial. The other parent was equally grateful, and although I'm leaving her den to shift to the Bears, she too told me of the transformation she saw in her son from the same quiet shy boy into someone more outgoing, more confident in himself, indeed someone on the verge of his teenage years and looking a bit more like a man than a boy.

I was awed. That's a tremendous responsibility. When I became Cubmaster, I told myself that if I'm even 1/4 as good as the men that taught me, then I'll call it a job well done. Yet here I was...these mothers were looking to me to transform their sons...these boys were already showing the benefit of being under the care of all us dedicated volunteers in Cub Scout Pack 250...and it struck me. Some say that everything happens for a reason.

Is it perhaps my mission in life to be here for these boys, at a critical time in their lives, and be that one person who makes a difference? It may be arrogant of me...but I like to think so.

Twelve years ago, I became a Vigil member in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's honor society. According to many, it's the second-highest honor you can earn as a scout or scouter (second only to Eagle.). Perhaps it is even more so, as this award can't be consciously earned...you're selected for the honor by your peers, based on your selfless service to Scouting and the Cause. When I was so honoured, I became just the second member of Boy Scout Troop 61 so recognized. Who was the first? Why none other than "Mr. V." himself.

When I was first elected to the Lodge in 1989, I swore an oath that over time has become my personal mission statement. It's my only hope that I can continue to live up to those high ideals...and make sure that I fulfill my true calling in life...service to others.

And so, with that in mind, I'm posting this for all of you to ponder, and I'm off to beautiful Camp Massasoit in Plymouth, MA to lead the pack through the "Webelos Woods" council camporee. I'll see everyone tomorrow afternoon!

:peace:
 

66 comments (Latest Comment: 05/04/2008 04:14:33 by Raine)
   Perma Link

Share This!

Furl it!
Spurl
NewsVine
Reddit
Technorati

Add a Comment

Please login to add a comment...


Comments:

Order comments Newest to Oldest  Refresh Comments

Comment by TriSec on 05/03/2008 10:58:55
Freakin' Celtics, BTW.



Having no road game isn't going to win very many titles...





Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 12:37:55
TriSec, what a touching post! I'm sorry about your experience with the move. I was in a simillar situation with my better half - thankfully, it turned out well. I never thought she would give up her "big city" life and style to a small town. It could have turned out bad - and I don't know what would have happened.



I don't know much about scouting. I can be honest, and tell you that I have always thought of it as pre-military training for white boys.......... but that is a perception from my youth, so hopefully that has changed, and its become more inclusive and less "uniform-ie". Because the camping/outdoors and male bonding aspect is so important in boys and certainly can shape their lives forever.



I have a friend who is a girl scout leader, and she so enjoys it! They don't get the same amount of funding though, according do her, so they recently had to cancel their one overnight camping trip a year. Now, no overnighters. :(



But at least they have cookies!



:drool:

Comment by m-hadley on 05/03/2008 12:58:55
TriSec,

Thank you for sharing such a personal slice of life post. I truly appreciate it when 4Fers post something more personal than political (don't get me wrong I love the political stuff, too ), but I do very much enjoy knowing a little bit more about each of our lives and your life sounds rich and rewarding - congratulations on being named to the Order of the Arrow - that sounds like quite an accomplishment! Good luck and enjoy your camporee! I'm glad to know you a little bit better and I hope to meet you at our next Meet-up :D

Cheers,

mfaye

Comment by BobR on 05/03/2008 13:27:03
wow TriSec, I'm on the verge of tears. I read this and wonder what the hell I'm doing with MY life. Like a teacher, inspring young people, teaching them, and helping them find their way in this world is one of the most noble things a person can do.



I hope Mrs. TriSec knows just how wonderful a man she has.... And I say that as a straight man myself.



I AM NOT GAY...

I NEVER HAVE BEN-GAY (just Icy-Hot)

I LOVE MY WIFE (and I can say that now!!)

Comment by BobR on 05/03/2008 13:29:49
Quote by velveeta jones:

TriSec, what a touching post! I'm sorry about your experience with the move. I was in a simillar situation with my better half - thankfully, it turned out well. I never thought she would give up her "big city" life and style to a small town. It could have turned out bad - and I don't know what would have happened.



I don't know much about scouting. I can be honest, and tell you that I have always thought of it as pre-military training for white boys.......... but that is a perception from my youth, so hopefully that has changed, and its become more inclusive and less "uniform-ie". Because the camping/outdoors and male bonding aspect is so important in boys and certainly can shape their lives forever.



I have a friend who is a girl scout leader, and she so enjoys it! They don't get the same amount of funding though, according do her, so they recently had to cancel their one overnight camping trip a year. Now, no overnighters. :(



But at least they have cookies!



:drool:


We talked to a couple at an REI store a couple months ago. They were both involved in scouting. The woman said that the Girl Scouts were doing away with camping altogether and focusing more on "domestic skills"... :o



I hope that's not true. If so - I blame Bush and other retarded conservatives...



Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 14:32:56
btw: for those waiting for the Michelle Obama update. That will be the subject of tomorrows blog. I started a comment, and it was so freakin' long, that I thought, "well, guess I have the Sunday blog".



:lol:

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 15:17:45
Iron Man quick review. It's a must see - a very good "popcorn" movie. No thinking, no crying, no angst. Just good old fashion action, with a "good vs evil" theme. And, as a plus, the "evil" in question has no ties to reality. Somewhat like the bad guys in the old "Wild, Wild West" show, these bad guys have no discernible politics or agenda. They are just .......... bad.



:lol:



Robert Downy Jr, is funny and charming! Jeff Bridges plays the stereotypical greedy, power hungry, sellout guy.



Fun! Velveeta gives it:





Comment by Raine on 05/03/2008 15:18:11
Good mornign!



Aww, Tri... I feel honored to say that you are my friend.

Comment by Raine on 05/03/2008 15:20:43
today is free Saturday at the High Museum for Fulton County residents... and it is raining... so I will be goo-goo-gaga-ing at the pretty paintings.

Comment by livingonli on 05/03/2008 16:16:39
The nice thing is I have the next two weekends off and I still have a ton of DVR recordings to catch up.



VJ, hope you at least have a picture of the shirt you got from the rally.

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 16:24:24








Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 16:26:40
Here's Aunt Azalea and I with "Barack"



My friend Kim O had just called me and I told her I was getting my pix taken with Barack Obama and she was FLOORED!



:lol:



http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/velveeta_jones/people/uswithObama.jpg


Comment by IzzyBitz on 05/03/2008 16:50:06
Good morning/afternoon!



Well, I am just so thrilled that you all even know about choppin' broccoli! From all of the Monty Python quotes I've been reading, I thought I may have found "my crowd." To solve the mystery, it was Dana, who came up with some of the most memorable characters on SNL.



:devilbanana: Long live the Church Lady!

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/03/2008 17:11:27
Spare the rod, use a TASER!



N. Carolina dad tasers son

Friday, May 02, 2008 - 12:07 PM



A Monroe, North Carolina man faces child abuse charges for allegedly using a Taser on his 10-year-old son.



Deputies say 30-year-old Donald Ricci, Jr., used the Taser at least three times.



The boy was visiting his grandparents in Georgia when they noticed burns on his bottom, neck and chest and took him to a hospital.



The boy is expected to recover from his injuries and the father, who faces felony child abuse charges, is due in court on June 4.


Comment by Mondobubba on 05/03/2008 17:50:56
Afternoon all. For the record, I am not thinking Tifton.

Comment by livingonli on 05/03/2008 20:22:41
Quote by Mondobubba:

Afternoon all. For the record, I am not thinking Tifton.


:scratchhead:

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/03/2008 21:00:36
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Good morning/afternoon!



Well, I am just so thrilled that you all even know about choppin' broccoli! From all of the Monty Python quotes I've been reading, I thought I may have found "my crowd." To solve the mystery, it was Dana, who came up with some of the most memorable characters on SNL.



:devilbanana: Long live the Church Lady!




Chesus Izzy, all ya needed to do was ask.

Comment by MMB on 05/03/2008 21:29:12
Trisec sorry about the move and stuff. I am glad you are there for those kids i wish my son would have had someone like you in his life when my ex and i split. He was 12 and it has truly affected the rest of his life even now at 27 he reminds me on the date we moved away. He will be home in Oct. after almost 5 years in prison his dad aka sperm donor has talked to him once. Take care.

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 00:10:15
Quote by livingonli:

The nice thing is I have the next two weekends off and I still have a ton of DVR recordings to catch up.



VJ, hope you at least have a picture of the shirt you got from the rally.


LIV! Did you go to FREE COMIC BOOK DAY??????

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 00:11:26
Quote by velveeta jones:











Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 00:12:32
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Good morning/afternoon!



Well, I am just so thrilled that you all even know about choppin' broccoli! From all of the Monty Python quotes I've been reading, I thought I may have found "my crowd." To solve the mystery, it was Dana, who came up with some of the most memorable characters on SNL.



:devilbanana: Long live the Church Lady!


I needed no confirmatation.... :smug:

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 00:14:14
Quote by livingonli:



:scratchhead:


On I -75 for about 50 miles north and south of Tifton, GA are billboards that say "Think Tifton!". Mondo got a double-dose Meetup weekend (coming and going)

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 00:16:07
Quote by Mondobubba:





Chesus Izzy, all ya needed to do was ask.




Cheezus Crisps! - the "divine" cross-shaped cheese crackers that are safe for the whole family!



They're sacrilicious!!

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 00:20:00
Quote by Raine:

Quote by livingonli:

The nice thing is I have the next two weekends off and I still have a ton of DVR recordings to catch up.



VJ, hope you at least have a picture of the shirt you got from the rally.


LIV! Did you go to FREE COMIC BOOK DAY??????


I went to my store but I didn't get a free book. I think the ones they issued this year are more aimed for the kids.

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 00:21:06
Quote by BobR:

Quote by livingonli:



:scratchhead:


On I -75 for about 50 miles north and south of Tifton, GA are billboards that say "Think Tifton!". Mondo got a double-dose Meetup weekend (coming and going)


Sounds like the longest 2 hours of the 2 hour trip.



Well, at least they didn't put up signs saying EXIT NOW! :D

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 00:26:16
Obama Won GUAM!!!!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 00:40:34
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by BobR:

Quote by livingonli:



:scratchhead:


On I -75 for about 50 miles north and south of Tifton, GA are billboards that say "Think Tifton!". Mondo got a double-dose Meetup weekend (coming and going)


Sounds like the longest 2 hours of the 2 hour trip.



Well, at least they didn't put up signs saying EXIT NOW! :D






Oh Liv, but there are, there are! :wacko:



Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 00:41:34
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Mondobubba:





Chesus Izzy, all ya needed to do was ask.




Cheezus Crisps! - the "divine" cross-shaped cheese crackers that are safe for the whole family!



They're sacrilicious!!




:rofl:



Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 00:43:26
Quote by Raine:

Obama Won GUAM!!!!






:metal:





Brother Mondo and I are deep into season one of "Deadwood" fuckcocksuckercunt ohhh sorry, my bad!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 00:45:34
OMG! The Derby! :cry: :cry:

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 01:17:16
SO who won the derby?

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:24:05
Quote by Raine:

SO who won the derby?




The favorite, but the filly died on the track! :cry:

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 01:27:41
Quote by Mondobubba:

OMG! The Derby! :cry: :cry:
OMG!!! The Filly!!!!

The filly Eight Belles finished second behind favorite Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, then collapsed with two broken front ankles and was euthanized after crossing the wire.

The field of 20 horses was galloping out around the first turn at Churchill Downs when Eight Belles suddenly went down on both front legs and jockey Gabriel Saez slid off.



"When we passed the wire I stood up," said Saez, a first-time Derby rider. "She started galloping funny. I tried to pull her up. That's when she went down."



An equine ambulance reached her near the second turn and tended to the filly.



"There was no possible way to save her," on-call veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said. "She broke both front ankles. That's a bad injury."



Trainer Larry Jones and owner Rick Porter decided to run Eight Belles against the boys in America's greatest race despite her never having done so before. She brought in solid credentials with a four-race winning streak and then ran gallantly.


From the AP





:cry: that is very very sad.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:28:52
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:29:48
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Mondobubba:

OMG! The Derby! :cry: :cry:
OMG!!! The Filly!!!!

The filly Eight Belles finished second behind favorite Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, then collapsed with two broken front ankles and was euthanized after crossing the wire.

The field of 20 horses was galloping out around the first turn at Churchill Downs when Eight Belles suddenly went down on both front legs and jockey Gabriel Saez slid off.



"When we passed the wire I stood up," said Saez, a first-time Derby rider. "She started galloping funny. I tried to pull her up. That's when she went down."



An equine ambulance reached her near the second turn and tended to the filly.



"There was no possible way to save her," on-call veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said. "She broke both front ankles. That's a bad injury."



Trainer Larry Jones and owner Rick Porter decided to run Eight Belles against the boys in America's greatest race despite her never having done so before. She brought in solid credentials with a four-race winning streak and then ran gallantly.


From the AP





:cry: that is very very sad.




Tragic! Very tragic. Chelsea was told by Mom to put money on her!

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 01:31:48
Ok, am I the on;y one who finds it VERY strange that Obama Picked Big Brown to win and Clinton Picked Eight Belles, who sadly, died?



My gallows humour is showing again.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:32:39
Quote by Raine:

Ok, am I the on;y one who finds it VERY strange that Obama Picked Big Brown to win and Clinton Picked Eight Belles, who sadly, died?



My gallows humour is showing again.






Not at all. :rofl:

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 01:41:27
Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by Raine:

Ok, am I the on;y one who finds it VERY strange that Obama Picked Big Brown to win and Clinton Picked Eight Belles, who sadly, died?



My gallows humour is showing again.






Not at all. :rofl:


Sounds like a symbolic statement about the campaign.

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 01:46:42
Correction: Obama, I have been told, picked 'Big Brown' to show... it makes the irony all the more delicious.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:48:58
I'm still not thinking Tifton!

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 01:54:56
The Habs have been eliminated in the NHL playoffs.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 01:57:22
Wow, Georgia specifically Atalanta desperately needs that change to the concealed carry law what with the NINETY murders there last year. Clearly it is a dangerous place. :sarcasm:

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 02:32:43
Quote by Mondobubba:

I'm still not thinking Tifton!


Oh Mondo.....







pssst.... down here.....











TIFTON!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 02:34:21
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Mondobubba:

I'm still not thinking Tifton!


Oh Mondo.....







pssst.... down here.....











TIFTON!












NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Must.Not.Think.Tifton.

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 02:36:20
I have to say, I am very glad I missed the Derby today... I would have been crying my eyes out for that poor horse.





So damn sad. Poor little girl. She did not deserve to go out that way.









Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 02:38:31
PERRY! PERRY! PERRY!



NO! Must. Think. Tifton.







http://www.tiftontourism.com/images/thinktifton.jpg


Comment by velveeta jones on 05/04/2008 02:41:17
FUCKING Horse racing!!



:rage:



Barbaric!!

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 02:43:59
So, who's going to be watching either the Boston-Atlanta game on ABC or the Pittsburgh-Rangers game on NBC tomorrow? Or will everyone at home just watch baseball?

Comment by shelaghc on 05/04/2008 02:46:43
Am I the last progressive to have learned that Keith Olbermann has been posting on Daily Kos?

Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 02:54:40
Quote by shelaghc:

Am I the last progressive to have learned that Keith Olbermann has been posting on Daily Kos?


I heard about it. No wonder why the Kos gets Bill-O's knickers in a wad.

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/04/2008 02:55:02
Well, looky here.........



Aunt Azalea signed up to volunteer for Obama. Then today gets a call on her cell, where a woman says she has signed up to volunteer and she should show up *here*........ the HILLARY headquarters!!







WTF?!?



She's pissed!!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 02:58:56
Quote by Raine:

PERRY! PERRY! PERRY!



NO! Must. Think. Tifton.







http://www.tiftontourism.com/images/thinktifton.jpg






:rofl:

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 03:05:05
Quote by livingonli:

So, who's going to be watching either the Boston-Atlanta game on ABC or the Pittsburgh-Rangers game on NBC tomorrow? Or will everyone at home just watch baseball?


Probably neither.



I'll do some "chores" around the house, then hopefully find time to play some music...

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 03:09:07
Quote by Raine:

PERRY! PERRY! PERRY!



NO! Must. Think. Tifton.



http://www.tiftontourism.com/images/thinktifton.jpg


Go for the Agri-rama - stay for the tractor pull!!



(Hey - didn't I see that agri-rama on a recent episode of South Park? )

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 03:12:30
Quote by velveeta jones:

Well, looky here.........



Aunt Azalea signed up to volunteer for Obama. Then today gets a call on her cell, where a woman says she has signed up to volunteer and she should show up *here*........ the HILLARY headquarters!!







WTF?!?



She's pissed!!
HOLY CRAP!



They are CAGING VOLUNTEERS?!?



Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 03:13:45
Quote by shelaghc:

Am I the last progressive to have learned that Keith Olbermann has been posting on Daily Kos?
I knew of his first post there. I did not know he kept on going!



AWESOME!



Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 03:17:40
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by shelaghc:

Am I the last progressive to have learned that Keith Olbermann has been posting on Daily Kos?


I heard about it. No wonder why the Kos gets Bill-O's knickers in a wad.
Anything that doesn't get down on it's knees and priase the Cheezus for his very existance on this planet earth get's that waste of oxygen's knickers in a wad. The wind blowing left instead of right gets him in a wad. The way water flushes in the southern hemisphere gets him a wad. Egg's standing on the equinox gets him in a wad.



(yes. I said that out loud)



Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 03:18:56
Quote by Raine:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Well, looky here.........



Aunt Azalea signed up to volunteer for Obama. Then today gets a call on her cell, where a woman says she has signed up to volunteer and she should show up *here*........ the HILLARY headquarters!!







WTF?!?



She's pissed!!
HOLY CRAP!



They are CAGING VOLUNTEERS?!?

I hope you guys saved that number and inform someone at the actual Obama office.



Oh, yeah, and Email Greg Palast.



Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2008 03:20:12
Comment by velveeta jones on 05/04/2008 03:22:22
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Well, looky here.........



Aunt Azalea signed up to volunteer for Obama. Then today gets a call on her cell, where a woman says she has signed up to volunteer and she should show up *here*........ the HILLARY headquarters!!









WTF?!?



She's pissed!!
HOLY CRAP!



They are CAGING VOLUNTEERS?!?

I hope you guys saved that number and inform someone at the actual Obama office.



Oh, yeah, and Email Greg Palast.



Yeah, its a 404 area code. Ain't that Hotlanta?



Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 03:25:42
Heya, Velveeta: Check this out.



I have been threading about this over on the MB, as well.

Comment by BobR on 05/04/2008 03:27:29
Quote by velveeta jones:



Yeah, its a 404 area code. Ain't that Hotlanta?



yes it is.

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/04/2008 03:35:49
Quote by Raine:

Heya, Velveeta: Check this out.



I have been threading about this over on the MB, as well.


Thanks, she just found this info herself. I think she's gonna hold onto the number and contact somebody. We'll keep you tuned!



Comment by velveeta jones on 05/04/2008 03:41:03
Damn, now I'm thinking Tifton!





Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2008 03:58:25
Quote by velveeta jones:

Damn, now I'm thinking Tifton!





It must have some magic powers.

Comment by Raine on 05/04/2008 04:14:33
Watching the movie... "idiocracy"