It's A Wonderful Life

I am not afraid to admit that I cry at the end of It's A Wonderful Life every time I see it. I don't need to see the whole film, just the last 10 minutes. And I mean I really cry.

There's something about those final moments of that Frank Capra classic that has me sobbing at the very thought. As soon as George Bailey prays "I want my life back" and the snow begins to fall, I lose it. It's a slight wetness at first, then the moisture builds in the corners as George races through Bedford Falls to find his family.

When he hugs his kids at the top of the stairs my nose starts to run and my upper lip quivers when he kisses his wife, Mary. But when the townsfolk storm the Bailey home I cannot control my tear ducts and longer. As each person addresses George I have to try to regain my composure and blow my nose - because the even bigger tears are on their way. When his brother Harry toasts "to my big brother George: The richest man in town" I'm on my way to total blubber city.

Then George reads inscribed his gift of Tom Sawyer from Clarence the angel "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." As a tiny bell on the Christmas tree tinkles, Zuzu says "Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings." George replies to Zuzu: "That's right, that's right." and then looks toward heaven saying: "Attaboy, Clarence." I'm down for the count. Gone. Finished for the night. A total mess.

The entire theme of It's A Wonderful Life is simple and can be summed up in a quote by Clarence: "Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Like a wake behind a boat, our journey through this life causes ripples that raise and lower the boats of others around us. We all probably do not think about it much, but each of do have an affect on so many people that extends far beyond what we see. Sure, our families are directly affected by what we do, but consider your own life and how things would be different without you and what you do. Imagine all the good deeds you have done in your life and what would be missing without you.

When I watch It's A Wonderful Life I reflect upon the passing year and remember all I have done, and tried to do, to make the world a better place. I trust that my friends know how much they mean to me. I hope my children know how much I love them. I pray my wife knows my love for her grows every day. I am thankful for all that I have and I know that I do, indeed, have a wonderful, wonderful life...

Merry Christmas!!! And How-How!

Fall Reflections

It's been a couple of weeks since the final Fall Outing at Camp Kanata and I have a few things to chat about:

Goose bump moments. There are not too many things more magical to experience in person than the first year procession between the torches. The sound of the leaves, the sight of dads and kids holding hands as they walk and the smell of burning kerosene and toilet paper. And seeing it from across the lake is even more magical.

Camp Kanata (and staff) rocks. We all love Rockmont, Sea Gull and Seafarer, but there's something special about Kanata. It's easy to forget where you are at Kanata. Just 20 minutes from my house seems like a world away up there. Dave Bell and staff are wonderful and make everyone feel at home. And the food is fantastic (for camp food, that is...).

Long Bow Council guys are super-bad. This all volunteer group brings the badness when needed and are always there to help. Thanks go out to all the dads and kids that worked the deck selling shirts, touting WeBuildPeople, handing out patches, etc. All your time and effort does not go unnoticed.

Nation Officers are the BEST! From the beating of the tom-tom by Silver Buffalo, to the leading of the Aims & Pledge by Stepping Stone, to the "everywhere you needed him" assistance of Black Crow - these guys rock. So much of the pagentry depends on our Nation Officers doing all that they do. Much appreciation and kudos go the officers! A special shout-out to Mike Windley for his contribution at dinner the last Sunday!

YGP crew is tops. Matt, Bobby, Meredith and Andrew spent Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday making sure that our dads and children have an awesome experience. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the success of our program is directly a reflection of their hard work. And for four Sundays in a row they made the show a wonderful time for all.

Sky Walker and Shooting Bull rule! I have always been proud of my boys, but their behavior and attitude for four Sundays in a row is to be commended. Through hunger, cold, darkness and dampness they sat in that canoe for at least 45 minutes each Sunday evening and never once complained. No whining. No moaning. No groaning. They understood the importance of what we were doing and projected that serious attitude when it was time to "work."

Surprise, Dad! I was honored to be able to introduce my family that last Sunday night, but even more special was being able to officially induct my own father into the Guides program. He had no clue I was going to call him up to join me at the podium and was even more surprised when I named him "Fishing Wolf." It was an emotional moment I will never forget. My only "regret" was not formerly introducing my mother by her Indian name "Frying Chicken." I really appreciate Matt & Bobby allowing them to share this experience with me. They have heard us talk about the magic of Fall Outing, but now they know, first hand, how truly wonderful it all is...

How-How!