Catch Up I
Earlier this month I had a quick trip back to Montana for three days / three events joined by lots of driving.
It started with my nephew Mitch’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. A Court of Honor is always an exciting event for me and I’m proud to stand with the other Eagles to wish the new Eagle well. I still find it surprising how few people actually attain this rank. It seems to run in families a lot too; my self and my two brothers, four nephews (so far), etc. (It was nice for Mitch that two of those Eagle Scout uncles and his Eagle Scout brother Matt were able to make it to the event.) The Eagle Scout is also not felt to be an “award” so much as recognition of accomplishments and a gateway to greater things. One of the things commonly said is that those who receive their Eagle Scout don’t say, “I was an Eagle Scout,” they say, “I am an Eagle Scout.”
I then went to an all-school reunion in my hometown, Valier, Montana. I had never been back to one before and it was more than a little surreal. Out of a class of 29, only five came to the event and four of them came from out of town. Over a third of the class still lives in Valier but most couldn’t be bothered to stop by. That’s kind of how I remember their attitude from 34 years ago. It was nice to see those who were there but I guess I’m not going to be in a big hurry to go back.
The weekend wrapped up with a trip back across the mountains to my cousin Susan’s retirement party. She has been teaching in Bigfork for over thirty years and friends, colleagues and family gathered to wish her well. I think she was a little surprised to see me there all the way from Florida but I’m happy to surprise people in that way. I missed a lot of family get-togethers in the 90s and I try to make it up some now that I have more means. I also try to make it to happier events than funerals, though I try to make those too. It was great to see Susan and her family and miscellaneous other cousins like Evan and Chris.
All in all a quick trip but very worthwhile. (Sorry Fawn, I’ll try to stop by next time.)
Not a Bard 