This is the speech Neil gave at his Eagle Scout court of honor one month ago. It seemed appropriate to share at this time of giving thanks:
"Thank you for coming tonight. Now that this moment has finally come, I have a stronger realization of how much scouting has helped me, and will help me in my life.
The trail to Eagle is a long, hard goal. It would have been impossible to earn on my own without guidance from scout leaders to help me stay on the path. My family has helped me a lot with earning my rank advancements and merit badges, too.
Most of you are aware that nine months ago I was in a car accident and had a traumatic brain injury that has changed my life. Going through the stages of recovery has been a long and arduous path, and I am still on it. Just like the trail to Eagle, I couldn’t do it alone. I have been helped by doctors, therapists, teachers, family, and many others who care.
Because I have seen all of the hard work and dedication that people have given to my cause, I want to give back and help other people with as much support as I’ve been given. My scouting experiences have taught me to be a hard worker and to not give up on my goals. These traits have helped me in my recovery as well. I hope to pass these on to other people working on a worthy goal that seems far off and nearly impossible to complete.
In closing, I would like to thank my many scout leaders who have pushed me along, especially when I got distracted from my goal to advance. I would also like to thank all of my friends, family, and other volunteers who helped me with my Eagle project at Fairview Farm. I’m also very grateful for all of the support that has come my way during my recovery. And I want to thank my Heavenly Father for helping me pull through in all of my endeavors, be it scouting or my rehabilitation.
The trail to Eagle is a long, hard goal. It would have been impossible to earn on my own without guidance from scout leaders to help me stay on the path. My family has helped me a lot with earning my rank advancements and merit badges, too.
Most of you are aware that nine months ago I was in a car accident and had a traumatic brain injury that has changed my life. Going through the stages of recovery has been a long and arduous path, and I am still on it. Just like the trail to Eagle, I couldn’t do it alone. I have been helped by doctors, therapists, teachers, family, and many others who care.
Because I have seen all of the hard work and dedication that people have given to my cause, I want to give back and help other people with as much support as I’ve been given. My scouting experiences have taught me to be a hard worker and to not give up on my goals. These traits have helped me in my recovery as well. I hope to pass these on to other people working on a worthy goal that seems far off and nearly impossible to complete.
In closing, I would like to thank my many scout leaders who have pushed me along, especially when I got distracted from my goal to advance. I would also like to thank all of my friends, family, and other volunteers who helped me with my Eagle project at Fairview Farm. I’m also very grateful for all of the support that has come my way during my recovery. And I want to thank my Heavenly Father for helping me pull through in all of my endeavors, be it scouting or my rehabilitation.
Thank you."
I echo Neil's thanks. We are so blessed.
3 comments:
Beautiful speech Neil. Very eloquent - I am sure a speech that will continue to touch others and inspire them in their own goals.
Very nice speech. What a special event for all of you. Have a great Thanksgiving!!
Very nice Neil!! A well deserved honor. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving - I've heard you like to eat!! So I can only imagine it is a holiday you really enjoy! SO much to be thankful for...many blessings to you and your family!
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