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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 21:45:19 GMT
The ceremony was beautiful, and extremely emotional! It was held at the scout camp where DH first met the dad of the new Eagle Scout. They worked at the camp together for a few years, and Scout has worked there for a few summers too, so it was a very special location. There were several mentions of Scouts dad, and I'm sure there was not a dry eye in the place! Poor Scout could not get more than a few sentances out before he would break down, every time he tried to speak. There was a segment where the MC talked of Scouts dad, and the community of men (DH and Scouts grandfather and uncle), who have surrounded him and helped to guide him to this point. My DH put the new Eagle Scout neckerchief on Scout, then Scout presented DH with a Dad pin. During Scouts closing remarks, he called out several people to thank, and he thanked my DH for being his "best friend!" My parents have met Scout and his mom and brother several times, and they attended the ceremony too. They had no idea what to expect at an Eagle Scout ceremony, but I think my dad cried through the whole thing. I'm so glad we decided to go, and I really wanted to thank everybody who encouraged me to attend. It was truly a very special day!
12/18 update: The Eagle Scout ceremony is today, and we have decided to go. After deciding not to go, I felt a bit heartbroken. DH was in agreement that we should not go, but was understandably very disappointed. We talked to the scouts mom, and she said they would keep windows open and everybody would wear masks.
A few months ago, Scout and his mom mentioned that DH would be getting a mentor pin, which DH considered a big honor. The mom sent us a photo of the program last night, and as a surprise to DH, he is actually receiving an honorary Fathers Pin! The two other Fathers Pin recipients are Scouts grandfather and uncle (the father and brother of Scouts deceased dad). It will be a HUGE honor, and likely an emotional day, but I’m very proud of DH and our Scout, and I’m looking forward to the ceremony later today!
Thank you to everybody who took the time to comment and offer suggestions. It is very much appreciated.
12/16 DH had a good friend who passed away from cancer six years ago. When he passed, he left behind a wife and two sons who were 8 and 12 at the time. We have remained good friends with the wife and boys, and see them regularly, including having Thanksgiving dinner with them. DH is particularly close to the older son, who is now 18 and recently earned his Eagle Scout. DH and the dad who passed had met when they were scouts together, so scouting has been important to DH, as well as the friends boys. The Eagle Scout Ceremony is this Saturday, and DH has been really looking forward to going. The new Eagle Scout was also planning to present DH with a mentor pin at the ceremony. Because of the new covid variant and increasing cases in our area, we have made the difficult decision to not attend the ceremony. There will be several people who are traveling to attend, and there is no way for me to know if they are vaccinated/boosted, and I am sure many will not be wearing masks. I'm feeling sad myself, and DH keeps saying that its OK, and not a big deal, but I know he is really dissapointed.
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Post by flanz on Dec 16, 2021 21:58:41 GMT
DH had a good friend who passed away from cancer five years ago. When he passed, he left behind a wife and two sons who were 8 and 12 at the time. We have remained good friends with the wife and boys, and see them regularly, including having Thanksgiving dinner with them. DH is particularly close to the older son, who is now 18 and recently earned his Eagle Scout. DH and the dad who passed had met when they were scouts together, so scouting has been important to DH, as well as the friends boys. The Eagle Scout Ceremony is this Saturday, and DH has been really looking forward to going. The new Eagle Scout was also planning to present DH with a mentor pin at the ceremony. Because of the new covid variant and increasing cases in our area, we have made the difficult decision to not attend the ceremony. There will be several people who are traveling to attend, and there is no way for me to know if they are vaccinated/boosted, and I am sure many will not be wearing masks. I'm feeling sad myself, and DH keeps saying that its OK, and not a big deal, but I know he is really dissapointed. Hugs to you and your family. That would def. be disappointing to me as well. I'm sorry it's worked out that way. My disappointment this weekend is being unable to attend a Celebration of Life for a cherished friend who died in June at age 99. Her body was frail and caused her lots of pain/issues, but her mind was so very sharp that she continued to write her beautiful poetry until just a ew days before her death. Our congregation had it's second hybrid worship service last Sunday, with half of the attendants, including minister and musicians co-creating the service from their homes as about 45 of us, masked and distanced in the sanctuary, joined in the service in person. Anyway, it felt really great to be gathered with many dear friends even if it was to watch the service on the large screens. We weren't allowed to sing but some of us opted to dance to the music. Anyway, there is family flying in from Europe and across the continent, and there's no way I'm going in person despite L having been a very dear friend. I'll be attending from home.
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 22:05:48 GMT
flanz I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, and that you won’t be able to attend the memorial. Your church service sounds lovely though!
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Post by Zee on Dec 16, 2021 22:07:05 GMT
You could always attend wearing an N95.
At some point we will all have to get used to the fact that Covid is not going away and never will. It's just constantly mutating at this point. How long and for how many strains will you want to stay at home and miss out on important things that mean a lot to you?
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 22:10:54 GMT
@zee You are absolutely right about the constant mutations. You make some very good points.
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,387
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
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Post by cycworker on Dec 16, 2021 22:11:30 GMT
Are you at fully vaccinated? If so, I don't understand why you, or at least your DH, wouldn't go. Wear a mask. Sit by yourself/distanced from strangers.
I get taking it seriously. I do. I wear my mask. I'm double vaxxed & I am pushing for my booster (BC is insisting on doing it by age, even though we have a good supply. No drop ins)
I have a home support worker who went to Florida on vacation in late November; got back on the 1st or so. Ignored folks who were critical of her masking up, tried to stay out of huge crowds, or at least stay on the fringes, and who came back fine.
We have got to stop giving this damn virus so much control.
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 22:16:36 GMT
DH and I are both vaccinated and boosted, but there seams to be so many breakthrough cases, and DH has underlying conditions. We did not gather for Christmas at all last year, even though my family is local. I don’t want to risk exposure that would prevent me from seeing my family this Christmas. We are planning to gather for Christmas this year, just with my parents and sister, and I don’t want to put that at risk.
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
Jun 26, 2014 0:29:24 GMT
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Dec 16, 2021 22:20:46 GMT
DH and I are both vaccinated and boosted, but there seams to be so many breakthrough cases, and DH has underlying conditions. We did not gather for Christmas at all last year, even though my family is local. I don’t want to risk exposure that would prevent me from seeing my family this Christmas. We are planning to gather for Christmas this year, just with my parents and sister, and I don’t want to put that at risk. This seems very sensible to me.
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Post by epeanymous on Dec 16, 2021 22:23:08 GMT
I am really sorry. I think a lot of people are going to have a lot of disappointments this month related to things they have really wanted to do. It stinks!
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 16, 2021 22:53:18 GMT
I would encourage your DH to go, even if it’s just for a few minutes. He could also stay in the back, away from people. I agree with Zee—vaxxed and booster means I do go out, but I mask up always, don’t touch anyone (or if I do, I wash my hands right away), and try to keep a distance from people. I’m trying to be smart, but still participate in life.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Dec 16, 2021 23:01:32 GMT
I think it’s so great that your husband stayed close to his friend’s boys and that they participated in scouting together. I’d be unable to miss something like that. Even if your husband is saying it’s no big deal, I’ll bet it is to the boy who lost his father. I’d have to go. I’d wear an N95 mask and keep lots of distance, but I’d be there.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Dec 16, 2021 23:08:37 GMT
I think it’s so great that your husband stayed close to his friend’s boys and that they participated in scouting together. I’d be unable to miss something like that. Even if your husband is saying it’s no big deal, I’ll bet it is to the boy who lost his father. I’d have to go. I’d wear an N95 mask and keep lots of distance, but I’d be there. So much this - I feel so sorry for this boy. Obviously your husband has been a pretty integral part of his Eagle Scout experience if he was going to present him a mentor pin. Even if he literally stood outside the door until the boy's part of the ceremony and left immediately - I'd be there for him.
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Post by shamrock on Dec 16, 2021 23:13:55 GMT
It is a tough decision either way. Only you know the right decision for you.
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 23:21:33 GMT
I would encourage your DH to go, even if it’s just for a few minutes. He could also stay in the back, away from people. I agree with Zee—vaxxed and booster means I do go out, but I mask up always, don’t touch anyone (or if I do, I wash my hands right away), and try to keep a distance from people. I’m trying to be smart, but still participate in life. Thanks for your suggestions. We will think it over
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 23:22:17 GMT
I think it’s so great that your husband stayed close to his friend’s boys and that they participated in scouting together. I’d be unable to miss something like that. Even if your husband is saying it’s no big deal, I’ll bet it is to the boy who lost his father. I’d have to go. I’d wear an N95 mask and keep lots of distance, but I’d be there. So much this - I feel so sorry for this boy. Obviously your husband has been a pretty integral part of his Eagle Scout experience if he was going to present him a mentor pin. Even if he literally stood outside the door until the boy's part of the ceremony and left immediately - I'd be there for him. Thank you both for your comments. You gave both given me something to think about.
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Post by grammadee on Dec 16, 2021 23:38:31 GMT
DH had a good friend who passed away from cancer five years ago. When he passed, he left behind a wife and two sons who were 8 and 12 at the time. We have remained good friends with the wife and boys, and see them regularly, including having Thanksgiving dinner with them. DH is particularly close to the older son, who is now 18 and recently earned his Eagle Scout. DH and the dad who passed had met when they were scouts together, so scouting has been important to DH, as well as the friends boys. The Eagle Scout Ceremony is this Saturday, and DH has been really looking forward to going. The new Eagle Scout was also planning to present DH with a mentor pin at the ceremony. Because of the new covid variant and increasing cases in our area, we have made the difficult decision to not attend the ceremony. There will be several people who are traveling to attend, and there is no way for me to know if they are vaccinated/boosted, and I am sure many will not be wearing masks. I'm feeling sad myself, and DH keeps saying that its OK, and not a big deal, but I know he is really dissapointed. Will there be an option for virtual attendance? Could the pin be presented--and accepted--over Zoom? Then your dh could feel he was a part of the ceremony and the Eagle Scout will feel supported by his Mentor.
If that is not an option, perhaps the Eagle's mom could loop in with your family via FaceTime or some other video chat platform so you could experience the ceremony in real time? Or video tape the ceremony for viewing later?
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Post by snoopy on Dec 16, 2021 23:57:42 GMT
DH had a good friend who passed away from cancer five years ago. When he passed, he left behind a wife and two sons who were 8 and 12 at the time. We have remained good friends with the wife and boys, and see them regularly, including having Thanksgiving dinner with them. DH is particularly close to the older son, who is now 18 and recently earned his Eagle Scout. DH and the dad who passed had met when they were scouts together, so scouting has been important to DH, as well as the friends boys. The Eagle Scout Ceremony is this Saturday, and DH has been really looking forward to going. The new Eagle Scout was also planning to present DH with a mentor pin at the ceremony. Because of the new covid variant and increasing cases in our area, we have made the difficult decision to not attend the ceremony. There will be several people who are traveling to attend, and there is no way for me to know if they are vaccinated/boosted, and I am sure many will not be wearing masks. I'm feeling sad myself, and DH keeps saying that its OK, and not a big deal, but I know he is really dissapointed. Will there be an option for virtual attendance? Could the pin be presented--and accepted--over Zoom? Then your dh could feel he was a part of the ceremony and the Eagle Scout will feel supported by his Mentor.
If that is not an option, perhaps the Eagle's mom could loop in with your family via FaceTime or some other video chat platform so you could experience the ceremony in real time? Or video tape the ceremony for viewing later?
This is a great suggestion. I didn’t even think of this. Thank you!
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Post by CardBoxer on Dec 17, 2021 1:44:06 GMT
Are you at fully vaccinated? If so, I don't understand why you, or at least your DH, wouldn't go. Wear a mask. Sit by yourself/distanced from strangers. I get taking it seriously. I do. I wear my mask. I'm double vaxxed & I am pushing for my booster (BC is insisting on doing it by age, even though we have a good supply. No drop ins) I have a home support worker who went to Florida on vacation in late November; got back on the 1st or so. Ignored folks who were critical of her masking up, tried to stay out of huge crowds, or at least stay on the fringes, and who came back fine. We have got to stop giving this damn virus so much control. That may work for some but not at all for others, depending on health, age, family members, location, etc. Cases are increasing rapidly in some places - to levels not seen in a long time - and the new variant is having an effect. There are more breakthroughs - being boosted is important and maybe one of these days “fully vaccinated” will include that booster - it should. (Lots of articles about that.) That’s wonderful about your home support worker - and it would take two minutes to find 20 cases where it didn’t work out - a couple on this board.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 17, 2021 12:36:16 GMT
You could always attend wearing an N95. At some point we will all have to get used to the fact that Covid is not going away and never will. It's just constantly mutating at this point. How long and for how many strains will you want to stay at home and miss out on important things that mean a lot to you? I gently agree with this. I understood staying home when there was a mask shortage, and zero vaccine. But now? I currently have 1000+ masks in my house, and am vaccinated and boosted. Some things I may choose to avoid, but big things? Once in a lifetime things? No.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,393
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Dec 17, 2021 14:20:52 GMT
I agree with the others that as long as you are vaccinated, wear a mask and keep some distance there is no reason to miss such a big event.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,786
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Dec 17, 2021 16:57:06 GMT
I went to a wedding last summer where the mother of the groom lives in England and tested positive the week before and couldn't come here. Her granddaughter carried her virtually on an ipad in the procession to the ceremony. The mom even said a prayer over the candle lighting virtually. Maybe something like that could work if you're still not comfortable with the risk of being there in person? The granddaughter even took the ipad around to all the tables at the reception so she could say hi to the guests.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Dec 17, 2021 17:08:20 GMT
I loathe the willfully unvaccinated. I've said it before. (I am fully aware of those people who cannot be vaccinated for some established medical reason. I do not excuse the "religious" reason unvaccinated persons.) BUT -- we are going to have to learn to live with and deal with the constantly mutating COVID virus. Vaccination and boosters as needed, KN95 masks, distancing, hand washing (I really wish we could get reasonably priced, if not free, rapid testing in there as well) .... and go ahead an experience life. As a vaccinated and boostered person, it is much less likely that the virus will kill me -- as for the willfully unvaccinated, unmasked ... well, if they die, they die.
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Post by beebee on Dec 17, 2021 17:18:18 GMT
I'm so sorry. That is a huge disappointment.
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Post by merry27 on Dec 17, 2021 19:27:23 GMT
I agree with the others that as long as you are vaccinated, wear a mask and keep some distance there is no reason to miss such a big event. This. I am not sure why he wouldn't go if he is fully vaccinated and wears a mask?
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Post by snoopy on Dec 18, 2021 16:36:54 GMT
Update in OP
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Post by mom on Dec 18, 2021 16:47:35 GMT
I am so glad you are going. My sons are Eagles and they would have been so disappointed if their mentors weren’t there.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Dec 18, 2021 17:30:34 GMT
I'm sure it will be an emotional day - hugs to your husband for all he's done - it's so very hard to stay in contact - between life and frankly pain of the loss - I know it takes a really unique individual to actually be there day after day , year after year - he deserves the honor and this random lady on the internet just wants to say - kudos to him- seriously!
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Post by snoopy on Dec 18, 2021 17:38:24 GMT
I'm sure it will be an emotional day - hugs to your husband for all he's done - it's so very hard to stay in contact - between life and frankly pain of the loss - I know it takes a really unique individual to actually be there day after day , year after year - he deserves the honor and this random lady on the internet just wants to say - kudos to him- seriously! Thank you! That’s very sweet of you to say!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Dec 18, 2021 17:46:30 GMT
So very glad you have decided to go and will be taking precautions to protect yourselves as well as others.
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Post by Zee on Dec 18, 2021 18:12:44 GMT
I'm so glad he's getting to participate. 🥰
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