The merit badge.

[Yosemite Sam]

...I can only surmise that some of the blundering of our government and inefficiancy is because of some person we shall not name that could never get his uniform and gear straitened out. ...

As they say, the world is full of "C" students... (Trust me, I work in a corporate environment.) Unfortunately, this is true of doctors, too. As an RN I once knew told me, "Not every doctor graduated at the top of his class."

-- Sam

 

[thatotherguy]

I was not that ambitious, but I can see that being really tense.

 

[meako]

What a wonderful story! It's always inspiring to read what you share here, jackknife.

This tale evoked memories for me of 1956. I was too young for Boy Scouts yet, so my Dad and I were in Y-Indian Guides in Vicksburg Mississippi. He was Chief Lone Star and I was Little Lone Star. We always had cold Orange Crush to drink at our meetings. Our sacred motto was "Pals Forever." I'll never forget the wonderful times we had camping, fishing, firebuilding, canoeing, and learning woodlore skills together with other "chiefs and braves".

Chiggers outnumbered boys at least ten to one.

I've taught both my sons to lay a fire that will start, as my Dad taught me.

About five years ago, Chief Lone Star, at age 83, let go of this world. I was lucky enough to be by his side when he passed, and I thank God I was able to lean close to his ear and whisper "I love you Dad, we'll be Pals Forever."

Some fires if properly laid, never go out.

I think I've got something in my eye.That my friend is a treasure without equal.
cheers.