It’s interesting to me that the last time I wrote on this blog was nearly two years ago, and the title was “Something’s Got To Give.” Clearly, this blog was one of those things that had to give. And so it has. Sitting quietly waiting for my return.

I’m actually feeling pretty proud that I didn’t let the domain lapse and I remembered my password.

It’s not that nothing has happened over the last two years, but I had a hard time finding the space – in my day, in my life – to write it down. I can’t even wrap my brain around how in the days of toddler tantrums and work/life chaos I was able to also produce a podcast, write a blog and do any of the other countless things I had signed up for. But that my friends is a topic (or multiple topics) for another day.

The last several months have been focused on endings as our daughter finished high school. But what I hadn’t thought about the first time we went through this with our son was that with our second we too would be marking the end of things. Our last performance. Our last high school lacrosse game. Our last email from the school where everything important is marked in red, inevitably leading to a message that appears to be bleeding. The last time we might see many of the parents with whom we’ve shared seats on bleachers, benches, and in auditoriums.

The reminders of these endings come at unexpected times, as when I noticed on my LinkedIn profile that I had Leader of Ashland Girl Scout Troop 75354 as one of my current volunteer positions. After twelve years, and with seven girls successfully bridged to adulthood, my term was over, and so I edited the listing – not with sadness but with pride.

For those who may remember, being a Girl Scout Troop leader was not a position I wanted nor did I feel I had time for. But when faced with the option of putting our daughter on the waitlist, or starting a troop of our own, the choice was a pretty easy one.

From the beginning, I had one rule – every troop member had to have an accompanied adult also registered so every adult member could help. The goal was to avoid anyone describing Girl Scouts as a “nightmare.” And yes, there was an org chart assigning roles including “Encampment Mom” “Cookie Mom” “International Day Mom” and “Treasurer and Facilities Coordinator” (meaning she made sure we had a place to meet).

Through the years moms, dads, and grandparents all stepped in to help with costumes; sharing stories of trips to foreign lands; teaching based on their professional expertise, and chaperoning sleepovers. Yes, we did crafts, but we also built fires and went camping; learned about animals, computers, and banking; talked about self-image and the media; volunteered with local organizations; lead town events, and created a social media campaign to encourage younger girls to continue as Girl Scouts into High School.

During the high school years, it was much harder, if not impossible, to get the girls together, not because of the pandemic but because they had all taken on leadership roles in other clubs, sports, and groups. When I got frustrated, I would remember this was proof that through Girl Scouts we had raised leaders, invested in their community, and were willing to do the hard work and give back.

It may not have been a job I wanted, and I will readily admit that half the time I was making it up as I went along (what were they going to do, fire me?), but it was an absolute joy and pleasure.

Watching seven girls I have had the privilege of knowing since elementary school graduate filled me with joy and hope as we send them into the world ready to be the change we know is possible.

There are a few sayings in Girl Scouts that have always resonated with me – the first is “Be a sister to every scout” and the other is “Once a girl scout, always a girl scout.” I hope these women continue to know they have a set of sisters and one former leader, they can turn to if they need an ear, a shoulder, or a cheer.

Because “Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout.”