10. Bill and the Boots

This last Friday night was my Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Two of my brothers were present with their families, along with my very own parents. Also present, were several of my young men's leaders from my youth back when I use to live in Colorado Springs. I looked up to them as I grew up, always wanting to follow their example. Seeing them there, so proud of my achievements, made me happier than so many other things in life. I can remember their smiles that they gave me as I sat on the stand along with members of the BSA counsel. These smiles will be hard to forget.

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Since the Court of Honor was in celebration of my Eagle Scout Award, I was able to choose two mentors that would receive the mentors pins that I was to hand out. The first one I naturally gave to my dad. He was always there by my side making sure that I did everything that I needed, exactly how I needed to do it. He always had faith in me, knowing that I would be able to achieve the Award. I didn't want to let him down by not reaching my potential, by not earning my Eagle. I could not, and I would not, let my father down.

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The other mentor pin that I gave out, went to a man by the name of Bill Sampson. He is quite the guy, towering above everyone at a height of 6 feet and 6 inches or so. Furthermore, if I had to guess, I would say he is about 300 pounds. His voice is the deepest voice of anyone I have ever heard. I'm pretty sure his natural tone hits a pitch of a low B. He also had these boots, boots that you could hear from across the hallway. These boots had sharp points that could cut your eyes just looking at them. But anyway, you get the picture, right? This guy is the most intimidating man on this planet. Furthermore, he happens to be the scoutmaster of my troop.

Ever since I started my scouting experience, this guy has been there, leading and guiding me to make sure I achieve the highest rank. He was there pushing me forward, always being bold. Eventually, he was the one that every teenage boy became scared of. This was because, if we ever became slacking in our efforts toward our Eagle Scout, big Bill would threaten us by saying he would give us "the boot." That was more than enough motivation for us to keep pushing forward seeing that his boots could kill. In the end, he was the real reason that I had the fortitude to keep trying until I finally won and earned my Eagle. Thus, I gave Bill, my second mentor pin. I would not have been able to do it without him.