Lessons from Dad - Part II

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes only a thousand words can paint the picture. Here are 699 words painting the picture of my dad.

My father was an avid “Scouter.” My brother and I are Eagle Scouts. Dad continued to volunteer for the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America long after my brother and I stopped active participation. He attended the monthly Roundtable meetings and served as a District Commissioner. At some point in the late seventies he received the Silver Beaver and District Awards of Merit. Both of these awards honor local service to the Scouting community.

Most everything you want to know about my father’s values can be easily summarized in the Scout Oath and Law.

THE BOY SCOUT OATH:
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

I want the reader to let these words sink in. “My duty to God and country” – honoring each life, active participation in church, serving as called in the community, state, and nation. Dad is a Korean War veteran.

“To help other people at all times” – All times, not some of the time or most of the time – but “at all times.”

“To keep myself physically strong” – Dad loves and enjoys the outdoors as much as anyone. While he no longer hunts or fishes it remains on his list of “things to do” and always will.

“Mentally awake, and morally straight” – Dad is aware of everything going on around him – with his family, in the community, the state, the nation and the world. I have never known my dad to be anything other than morally straight because he follows the Scout Law.

THE BOY SCOUT LAW:
Trustworthy
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
Loyal
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
Helpful
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
Friendly
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
Courteous
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
Kind
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
Obedient
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
Cheerful
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
Thrifty
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
Brave
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
Clean
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
Reverent
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

And – don’t forget the Scout Motto and Slogan:

THE BOY SCOUT MOTTO: Be Prepared.

THE BOY SCOUT SLOGAN: Do a Good Turn Daily.

This is my Dad. This is what makes him who he is. These values are so ingrained in him he never has to think “how he will live.” He simply does and acts in a manner which espouses these values.

- Craig