Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Eagle

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a serious, praiseworthy accomplishment.  It takes years of dedication from the scout, the parents, and the leaders. It is a worthy honor.

But... the glorious trend of procrastination continues. Last week, a fantastic -  yet frantic - young man I know managed to finish his Eagle Scout requirements on the eve of his 18th birthday, at exactly 30 minutes before Midnight. Up until 11;30pm he was scurrying around collecting signatures. That was a new record in our ward which shattered the previous record of the 9:00pm Eagle, set only three weeks before.

I believe we need a special distinction for those who finish it as the clock is ticking towards their 18th birthday.  In consideration of this ever growing tradition, and the fact that it is usually the mother who facilitates these last-minute quests, I present to you...

The Cinderella Eagle

That's right, Fairy Godmother to the rescue - with the clock counting down to midnight.

Personally, one of the FOML completed his project when he was still 13, then waited FOUR YEARS to write it up and submit it.  He was, indeed, a "Cinderella Eagle".  We were proud of him for "gettin' 'er done", but I know that he was not as proud as he could have, or should have been. He was embarrassed that he waited so long, and especially that he had to wear his father's uniform to the Eagle Court. We even had to talk him into having a Eagle Court at all.

Hopefully, entering the "Cinderella Eagle" into our lexicon will help other boys find the desire to get it finished, before they turn into an eighteen-year-old pumpkin.