Scouts Are: Honest, Trustworthy....and Inspired!

When we were going through our miscarriage a few weeks ago, we struggled to know how to tell the kids. Because they didn't even know we were expecting yet, we wondered if we should even fill them in on all that was happening. One night, Tyler found me in our front room crying. Putting his arm around me and with a look of concern on his face he quietly asked, "Mom, is MS eating your body?" My heart dropped. Here he was concerned that MS was just slowly killing me. I realized at that point, that we hadn't told our kids enough about MS and what it does. I also realized they deserved to know and understand why Mom was such a basket case those few days. Travis was gone at a church meeting, so I had to go at this one alone. I called them all around me and explained as briefly as I could about the miscarriage and then a little bit more about MS. Problem is, it's complicated. Since we don't know how I got it, or anyone gets it for that matter, it's hard for them to understand. I answered other questions that came the best I could, but then worried if I had told too much, or if I had told too little, adding to the confusion.

You can imagine my excitement then, when a couple of weeks ago, Anna, my long time friend and now partner in crime in living with MS, sent me a message. She told me about a Scout in Kaysville that was doing his Eagle Project all centered around MS. His Mom was diagnosed 5 years ago, and he always felt like there wasn't enough out there to explain to kids about it. So, when it came time to do his project, he and his Mom put together some incredible things and pulled off an amazing MS Kids Fair - all for Kids whose parents or other family members have MS.

We had to wake the kids up early Saturday morning, which they weren't too thrilled about. When I told them where we were going, they were actually very agreeable and got ready to go. As I was doing my hair, Ty was in my shower. "Mom, can boys get MS?" "Yes Ty, there are many men throughout the world with MS." "Oh, so, should I stay away from you then?" I immediately looked at Trav and said, "This is such a good Eagle Project. I'm so glad we're going!" We then took that question and hopefully helped Ty understand I'm not contagious.The MS Fair was Awesome! Trav got sick on the way there, and we had to take him home. Boy did he miss out. A nurse from an MS clinic in Salt Lake came and talked to the kids. She taught them the basics of MS by getting on their level. She asked if any of them had scars. Garrett showed some of his. She then went on to explain that his scars are visible. MS scars are not. The literal meaning of Multiple Sclerosis is Many Scars. She told how lesions attack the myelin covering of our nerves and cause the damage. The kids got a chance to tell about the people they know with MS and what some of the problems are they suffer with because of it. We were then taken into the gym to an obstacle course they had set up. Each one got a chance to try it as themselves. Then, they put on a pair of glasses that distort your vision, and a weight around their ankles and go through it again. It was an eye opener to see them struggle by adding those two things. Anna and I both commented on how it was to watch our kids gain an understanding of what life is like for us at times. They had prizes, an MS awareness bracelet making station, and an MS memory game to do. A cartoon video was shown from the view of a spaceship traveling the central nervous system and teaching us what it all looks like when MS is present.I loved this little sign the Girl Scouts made so much,
that I added it to my sidebar!
Made me and Anna smile!

I thought this was one of the most worth while Eagle Projects I have heard of in a long time. It was such a blessing for me to be able to take my children and have them spend a few hours learning about MS and have some of their questions answered. They had a great time! When we got home and made lunch, Ty offered the prayer. He thanked Heavenly Father for the opportunity they had to learn about what Mom is dealing with and how they can help her. I think we will have to make this a future Eagle Project of our own. Thank you Anna for thinking of us, and thank you Little Scout - you definitely deserve the honor of the Eagle Rank!