A Soaring Eagle

We are in Atlanta celebrating our grandson's Court of Honor Honor as an  Eagle Scout. I have never attended one before, and actually, I have not personally known an Eagle Scout. I did meet a young man, in the airport as we were leaving,  (he worked at Morse) and he told me that he and his three brothers were Eagles. He Was heading to Houston for a wedding, and asked where we were going. So perhaps, I have known an Eagle or two.

The ceremony was very impressive. Among the guests were my sister and brother-in-law who drove from Houston, a native Atlantan Peace Corps friend, and a former student living in Atlanta. It was so wonderful to see a group of African-American young men who have been so well mentored and encouraged. 

The program was beautiful--our seven and a half year old grandgirl recited a poem, the three and a half year old grandgirl handed out the programs, and grandma gave the benediction. Cousin Nicole  was there and helped.

There was a table with all of Exavier's Eagle paraphernalia, including letters of commendation from many, from Shaquille Oneil to President Obama. The decorations at each table were splendid--thanks to Dollar Tree. 

The food--Mexican rice brought from San Diego, made by a friend, added a little bit of California. Rotisserie chicken from Sam's Club, and potato salad rounded out the meal. We were going to have a green salad, but in deference to the South, went with two starches -:), just playing! There were two huge cakes, decorated with Eagle Scout related items. 

The night before, we packed the car with everything from extra serving spoons to aprons. We put all of the food in serving dishes, carefully covered each with foil to be packed into a box in the morning. Even did a test run in the microwave to know how long each dish needed to be warmed up. We pre warmed everything the morning of the event.  

The venue was a room at the church where they hold their meetings--very nice, next to an industrial kitchen ( we only used the big microwave, however), with long tables, a podium, and everything we needed.

The very impressive and protocol filled program  went without a hitch, from 3 p.m to 4 p.m. Eating , and clean up took another hour. Both parents spoke, as did Exavier--his speech was very good, he was relaxed and funny. Thanked everyone in his journey, including his old, but cool. grandma and grandpa.

We are proud of this sixteen year old. I know that he will continue to soar, just as our other three grands will do. As the oldest, he has set the standard, and I know that they will folllow in his footsteps.

sOar, Eagles sOar!