The Men Who Are My Sons

A mother’s heart routinely vacillates between joy and sorrow while watching her children travel through life, but this weekend it was all happy times as we enjoyed sharing in the lives of our two sons.

From the temple on Friday morning, Ed phoned to ask if I would like to make a run over to Denver to join David and his family for Kole’s baptism on Saturday, November 7. I dropped everything in the hands of my able staff as we climbed into the car for the 10 hour drive along I-70. The service was sweet, attended by their bishop, Kole’s Primary teacher and several friends, as well as both sets of Kole’s grandparents. With his characteristic grin, Kole was excited about his baptism, and as a grandmother, I was pleased with his decision, but I was particularly proud of my own son, a tall and handsome, hardworking and dedicated husband, father and priesthood holder worthy to baptize and confirm his second son.

On our way to Denver, I talked with Michael by phone. During our usual (about) weekly chit-chat, he casually announced he had received the Second Miler Award from the Timpanogos District of the Utah National Parks Council of Boy Scouts of America, “for unselfish service, for ideals, leadership, and example, all in the interest of youth and their training for worthy citizenship.” He was nominated by his ward bishopric for this recognition because he has already earned a well-deserved reputation for being an exceptional scoutmaster who believes scouting should not be just weekly activities planned at the last minute, but should focus on making responsible citizens and community leaders out of boys. Our dedicated scouter spends several hours each week planning and organizing activities and communicating in a variety of ways with the boys in his troop - all who are now fully active in scouting and in their ward. It’s too bad every scoutmaster isn’t this devoted, because the world – and the boys in it – would certainly be a whole lot better as a result.