Chapter 1: December - The Beginning

Tory stood up at the podium listening to the winter wind whistling outside and looking out amongst the sea of invited guests. It had been four short years ago when she had stood there for the first time. Then, her older son, Jayson, had received his Eagle Scout award and she had stood there as one of the presenters. Now, it was her son, Trent's, turn. Tory was hoping, for Trent's sake, that his older brother would be able to make the ceremony. Quickly scanning the guests, Tory couldn't see him.

A year ago, Jayson left for the Navy. He had tried continuing on in school after high school, but he was just not enthusiastic about more classroom theory. So, after a year of taking courses at the local community college, he enlisted. Tory and Trent missed having him around, but they were both proud of who he was becoming. Tory had notified Jayson of his brother's upcoming ceremony, hoping he could get a weekend leave, but she had not received a response.

Taking a deep breath, Tory began the ceremony. There was no doubt that she was proud of her son — of her sons. She, herself, had been involved in scouting for many years and saw what it took to achieve this award. Every chance she got, she was there to support her sons in their quest to become Eagle. Both of her boys had had their own personal struggles during their journey. She knew that most of Trent's journey was hampered by him feeling like he had to walk in his brother's footsteps. As much as she encouraged him to search for his own path, there were some things that Jayson had done that Trent had to also complete; sometimes, it wasn't as easy for Trent. For that reason, when Tory was developing her speech, she had asked Trent's permission to mention his older brother; even though he knew some of the leaders had continued to compare him to Jayson, Trent gave it without a second thought. For something like this, Trent was proud to be able to be compared to his brother because, when all was said and done, they would both be Eagles.

When Tory was finished, she introduced Gary, a long-time friend of Jayson's and Trent's, and now an adult within the Troop.

"Ah," Gary stammered, uncharacteristically, when he reached the podium. "Trent, I'm sorry, buddy; I totally forgot about your ceremony until real late. I don't have anything prepared, but I've called in what I hope will be an okay substitute." With that, Gary stood at attention and nodded to the rear of the room. Instinctively everyone turned and they watched the rear doors open and a Naval Officer and Seaman enter. With their backs straight and eyes forward, the uniformed men kept stride as they moved up the center aisle toward the podium. As the two got closer, Tory felt a lone tear fall to her cheek. When the pair reached the front where Tory and Trent were sitting, the seaman pivoted on his heels, relaxed and pulled his younger brother into an embrace. The audience watched as Jayson released one of his arms from around his brother and embraced his mother, as well.

Gary made the introduction as the officer took a seat and Jayson approached the podium. "For those of you who don't know, I would like to introduce Seaman Jayson Markus, Trent's older brother and an Eagle with the Troop." Jayson unashamedly hugged his best friend in a strong brotherly embrace as the audience enthusiastically applauded.

When the applause subsided, Jayson began. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate this special award for my kid brother. Trent, buddy, I wouldn't have missed this for the world! I know the hard work it takes. You can't help but learn and grow as you travel the path to Eagle. I challenge you to keep growing and remain as active in Scouting and the Troop as you can. But, even if the time comes when you have to leave scouting, even for a little bit, keep the lessons you have learned through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Eagle path and you will continue to fly high! I'm proud of you, Trent. I love you, brother!" The crowd cheered as Jayson left the podium and embraced his younger brother again.

The rest of the ceremony was a blur to Tory. She was thankful that she had asked a friend to take pictures and video. But, she wanted it to be over quickly so she might have a chance to talk with Jayson. While she was very pleased that he was able to come, she was not too happy that he chose to pull this surprise on her as well. Tory was also eager to find out who the officer was who accompanied Jayson. When she glanced at him she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity about him.

As soon as the ceremony was done, a crowd surrounded Jayson and Trent. Tory was unceremoniously pushed aside, but was soon engulfed with well-wishes from her friends and other adults present. Her pride shone bright every time she looked over at her sons and watched them together. Soon enough, the crowd began to thin and Tory was left on the side-lines in her own thoughts while the hall was clearing out.

"Seaman Markus is an incredible young man." The officer who had accompanied Jayson had startled Tory out of her reverie. "I'm sorry for startling you, Ms. Markus. I'm Commander Ross."

Tory recovered enough to accept the extended hand the commander offered. "Yes, Jayson can be remarkable when he wants to be. He never let me know if he was able to come, or not, so I'm a bit surprised that he's here. He's not in trouble for coming, is he? I mean, officers don't usually accompany enlisted men on leave, do they?"

"Actually, I had business in the area and I offered to drive him here," explained the commander.

"Excuse me, Commander," Jayson interrupted. "Mom, Trent said you were making meatloaf tonight for dinner. Would you mind a couple more mouths? Commander, you have not had meatloaf until you've tasted my mother's! The only one who made it better was my grandmother."

"I appreciate that, Markus, but I couldn't intrude on your family time," replied the commander, a little embarrassed.

"You are more than welcome, Commander. I'm not sure what your plans are while you're here. But, I tend to always make more than enough, so it's no bother," corrected Tory, still not able to figure out why this man seemed familiar to her.

"In that case, I think I'd like a home-cooked meal. I appreciate the invitation."

"Sir, since we have to leave early tomorrow, my father wants me to spend some time with him, my brother and his family this afternoon. Do you mind?" Jayson asked.

"I tell you what, Markus. I've got some things I still need to do. Why don't you go to your father's and give me the address. I'll come by and pick up you and your brother and then we'll head over to your mother's for dinner."

"Thank you, sir; I appreciate that." Jayson gave the commander his father's address and phone number and they planned on a time to meet up. Jayson and Trent gave a quick hug to their mother and then they were gone from the reception hall.

"Do you need help bringing anything out to your car, Ms. Markus?" Commander Ross asked, watching her pile her arms full of plaques and books.

"Actually, if you get me those boxes over there, we can probably put a lot of these things in there. Then, if you are offering to help, I'm not going to turn you down!" Tory smiled easily at the commander.

They talked a little about the ceremony and what it took Trent to achieve this award as the items were packed in the boxes and bags to be carried to Tory's car. Once her car was packed up, Tory thanked Commander Ross and headed home to get dinner ready for her sons and their guest.

At five fifteen, Trent, Jayson and Commander Ross showed up on Tory's front porch. As they entered, Jayson inhaled deeply.

"I've missed my mom's meatloaf every time they try to serve it at the mess hall! It's second only to her lasagna!" Jayson bragged proudly to the commander as he helped Trent hang up their coats.