I Thought You Would Never Ask By Jim Tierney

My wife, Sharon, and I will be married 30 years this month. (No gifts please!) This momentous event took place after we had dated for seven years, too. Even so, I remember sweating bullets with my knees trembling as I prepared to ask her parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage. Why was I so worried? Would they say no? I didn’t think so as they really liked me (remember that cute baby from the newsletter two months ago?) and I got along with them and the whole family just fine. And I really loved Sharon and wanted to be more than just attracted, I wanted to be attached to her for a lifetime.

And what was Sharon’s parents response? “It’s about time” came their answer, “let’s go to dinner”.

Wow!

Later I came to realize that Sharon’s parents wondered if we planned to get married at all, or if we would eventually ask them.

So what does this have to do with Scouting? Well, I find that most people that are involved in Scouting were signed up as kids or someone asked them when they were adults. The first approach was involuntary while the latter was a choice by one person and another choice by us. It doesn’t matter who you talk to, if you ask them how they got into Scouting, you will no doubt get one of these two answers.

The other thing I know is that adults involved in Scouting have a passion for it. The reasons vary from wanting to give back, bonding with one’s son, preparing kids for life while building their character, or developing leadership in our Country’s future. Whatever the reason, it seems to be energizing and fun.

As President of our Council I get the opportunity to participate in all aspects of our business, from membership enrollments, camping programs, parent initiatives, and fundraising. In almost every case I am made aware of the enthusiasm from those involved but the same time I hear that we could use more. More programs, more volunteers, more troops, more scouts going to camp, and of course, more money.

No matter what part you are engaged in, my advice to you would be to share the Scouting experience with anyone you are close to. If you are a kid, ask another to join you in your troop or to join you at camp this summer. If you are an adult, same deal. Share with a friend or family member, or a business associate why you are so involved. Above all, talk about the fun and the opportunities you would like them to have. Like my in-laws, they are probably expecting your invitation and wondering what took you so long. To me it’s about making a difference in someone else’s life – someone you know well.

Finally, this month brings with it Memorial Day. It is the day that we remember and honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Americans safe and to protect our freedom. These people also were asked to join our armed services or they volunteered because they saw their duty, and they did it.

I suspect that when the Holiday comes on May 26th, you might think of old friends or a family member who served and died for our nation. You will probably remember the things you used to do together, or the special meaning they made in our lives. The life they lived is now part of our own. To remember their life and how they helped get us to this point in time is the best kind of memorial you can make.