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'Twas the night before my troop meeting and
all through the house, you could hear my daughter was screaming, "Where's my
Girl Scout Blouse!?" The craft supplies were stacked by the front door with
care, in hopes that I would remember that I put them there. I sent my girls
straight on to bed, while the vision of permission slips danced in my head.
My husband walked over and gave me a tap, he said "I'd love to help you,
Honey; but I don't understand this..."
When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter, it was my assistant
leader returning our ladder! Away to the porch to sit and rest my hip, and
to discuss our upcoming cookie pick-up trip. She asked, "Is the cookie
pick-up spot very far?' And I said, "No, but will all those cookies fit in
your car?" When what to my wondering eyes should appear? But my cookie mom
with her hand over her ear! She said, "I could hear you talking so lively
and quick. I've got our pick-up problem solved, Chick! Now these parents
have volunteered to help us just the same, so let's give them a call, we'll
start with last name: Now Dils! Now Dutton! Now Foutz and Klinski! You've
promised to help now come in a jiffy! To Mink Point Gym! To the Dunn's front
mall, they'll dash away to pack away the cookies all!" My cookie mom then
said, "I'm sorry but I've got to fly, the cookie pre-order forms are stacked
up a mile high." So she got in her car and away she flew, leaving my
assistant and me to figure out what to do.
Just then, I heard a familiar sound coming from the phone, oh just how do
these parents know when I am home? As I drew the phone to my head and turned
around, I heard a parent say, "Gee guess what I've just found?!" I looked at
my assistant and shook my head, I am sure my face was turning three shades
of red. "Of course it's not too late, Ms. Smith," I said, " to turn the
form in; but you will need to bring an extra sewing pin." My eyes how they
twinkled! My smile was not merry! My cheeks were in flames! And all I could
think was how dare she? We've planned for twelve and now thirteen will show.
This is no way for the next troop trip to go. I sighed out loud and ran my
hand through my hair, and then I took a big breath of the fresh night air. I
said, "If it was up to me to see if she went or not; we wouldn't have to fit
in just one more spot." But she is, after all, a Brownie elf, so I guess it
is not up to my assistant or myself. I knew what I was doing when I said I'd
be a leader, I promised to look after every girl and not mistreat her. My
assistant spoke not a word but went straight to her car, and then she said
goodbye to me and drove away far. I was left standing out on the front lawn,
if I didn't get in soon, I'd be awake until dawn. I went inside and turned
out the light, when I saw the clock it was almost midnight! As I put on my
pajamas I said my prayers, "Thank you God for all my worries and cares.
Being a Girl Scout leader is hard at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the
largest stack of dimes. The girls, I adore them they really are a great
sight. I thank you God for those girls and have a good night."
By Cynthia Dils,
December 2001
pkllay@yahoo.com
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