Eagle scout

Nathaniel was formally given his Eagle scout rank last night along with four other boys in our ward. This is a very momentous event as only 5% of boys who are scouts, receive their Eagle rank. I am so proud of Nathaniel because it takes a ton of work, persistence, and desire. He has gone on many campouts, hikes, bike rides (including a 50 mile when he was 11) and all the work to build up to that, 5K's, knot tying, swimming, whittling, shotgun shooting, survival training, first aid classes, 20 hours of SCUBA training, etc., etc. He earned 36 merit badges, spent one year on his Eagle project, and most importantly, got a jump start in some of the lessons in life. This pursuit and journey he has taken has helped to make him the young man he is, and I kind of like this one!
We appreciate all the leaders who have given of their time since he was 8 years old to get him to this point. None of this would have been possible without them. Thank you so much, leaders and parents involved. Tremendous thanks to Tom, who supported him in every inch of the way, lugging 50 pound back packs in the high Uintas right along with his boy. He never gave up on him and gently pushed him along when times got monotonous with the project.
Nathaniel, I am so proud of you and am so excited for your future. You are a son that has made his mother very happy in every way. Keep up the work, spread your wings, like Simon said last night, and soar through the heavens like the eagles.