You Are Such a Girl Scout

A Birthday Greeting

November 2015

Another Love Letter to Liza

When someone asks me to describe you, I tell them, “She’s such a girl scout,” which is a high compliment, largely because of my fond remembrances as a Cub Scout.  Our Den Mother was Mrs. Smith, who led us on many adventures and taught us invaluable lessons in citizenship.  I know you were also a Brownie. You surely had similar fun and experienced many of the same character-building activities.

As an example of good works, we learned to “be prepared” at all times to help an elderly person to cross the street.  The girl scouts must have taught the same lesson, Liza, because there is so much kindness in your character. 

I began this thread of thought about you and scouting when I walked out of Von’s and found a group of young ladies selling thin mints.  I asked them what else they did besides cookies, and that conversation prompted an internet search on my part to determine if I have pegged you correctly, calling you a girl scout. 

The answer is yes. 

Here are the descriptors of a Girl Scout from my research into girl scout lore, the Girl Scout Motto and the Girl Scout Law.        

A Girl Scout…

…is faithful to God and country.  Yes indeed.  Your devotion to God runs deep; and you are politically engaged, never failing to vote, poring over the candidates’ statements and the ballot propositions.  And your ability to eschew party doctrine especially makes you a patriot.

…is helpful.  When we recently disagreed on a matter of memory, you checked my cancer book which you have lovingly kept and kept up to date.  I didn’t like losing the bet, but I like how you help me and others.  Our whole extended family honors you for the way you took care of my mom in her dotage.

…is honest.  Sheesh!  Your integrity is unassailable. 

…friendly, considerate, and caring.  Your longtime dedication to the group of women who have studied the Bible around our dining room table every week is just one example of your caring spirit.

…respectful of others and respectful of authority.  One of the classy things about you, Liza, is your respect for people of every stripe.  And you play by the rules.

…makes the world a better place.  In the movie “As Good as it Gets,” Jack Nicholson says to Helen Hunt, “You make me want to be a better man.”  You have made my world a better place, and me a better person, and I thank you for it.

…is a sister to every girl scout.  When I think of the women who cherish you – your sisters, your daughters, your sisters-in-law, your dynamic cast of friends – it is obvious that you are a loyal girl scout to every sister.

I believe you need some renewed recognition for your good works; the last time came as a 13-yar-old with your keepsake sash, loaded with merit badges.

When I think of all you have achieved since then, it is time to update.  Just as the straw man had a brain, but lacked a diploma, or just as the lion had courage but lacked a medal; you are the once and always Girl Scout who lacks the public symbol of your many years of service to your family and your community.  .        

The Los Angeles County Girl Scout Council has a store.  Hundreds of iron-on merit patches!  I went crazy, because…well, you have earned so many in the time I have known you. 

Unwrap your present to find your fully loaded, modern-era girl scout sash, so all the world may know what I know.  You Are Such a Girl Scout.