A Happy Day for An Eagle Mom!

My kids dabbled briefly in a few different team sports during their younger years, but never soccer or hockey, so I have never held the title of soccer mom or hockey mom. Theater has been a popular activity for all three of my kids, but I wouldn’t exactly call myself a stage mom, and I am way too laid-back to be considered a tiger mom. However, thanks to Sebastian I have a new descriptor that fits a fairly small group of women, percentage-wise: I am an Eagle mom!

Sebastian received his Eagle Scout Award on Wednesday evening, in a Court of Honor ceremony at Severance Great Hall on the Carleton College campus. It was the culmination of a goal he set soon after joining Boy Scouts back in fifth grade.

Steve and I both received pins, Eagle Dad and Eagle Mom!

Steve and I are grateful that so many family members and friends could join us for the celebration, and we sincerely appreciate the encouragement from others who have supported him along the journey. We also are indebted to the adult leaders of the troop who have spent countless hours mentoring Sebastian and the other young men of Troop 337.

Receiving the Eagle Scout Award would have been enough excitement for one night — but wait, there’s more! My dad, an Eagle Scout himself, decided months ago that he wanted to bestow an additional honor upon his eldest grandson, and he and I decided to announce it following the Eagle ceremony on Wednesday: Sebastian is now the proud owner of the violin that once belonged to my great-great-great grandfather Jasper Riggs.

Sebastian Francis Riggs Lawler with his “new” violin

The violin has been in the Riggs family for more than 200 years. Jasper received it as a gift at age 10 from his uncle James Riggs, and Jasper became an accomplished player as an adult (although he was not a professional musician like his son, G. Oliver). Before he died in 1911, Jasper willed the violin to his eldest grandson, Ronald, upon his 21st birthday, provided he refrained from smoking before that time. Ronald in turn gave it to his eldest son — my dad, William.

Sebastian plays the viola and is thus the first owner of the violin in a few generations who has the skills to play it; Dad is a trumpet player, and Ronald played the clarinet and saxophone. We have yet to determine whether the violin is actually in playable condition. Regardless, I know the instrument is in capable hands for years to come.

The Double Eagle photo: Sebastian and Poppa

Being present for the passing of the violin from my dad to Sebastian filled my heart with happiness. I am a proud Eagle mom and Eagle daughter; how lucky I am to have both of these upstanding men in my life!