Thank You For Never Giving Up on Me...

Dear Mac,

Thank you for showing me what it means to believe in someone.

I will never forget my summer camp as a patrol leader. I was ill-equipped to lead, experiencing a lot of pain/hurt, and didn't know how to handle my emotions. Unfortunately, I let the pain I was experiencing from that season in life take control of me and took it out on my patrol. It was a disastrous week—one of the most challenging weeks of my life.?

As a result of my immaturity, inability to handle my emotions, several families in the troop (deservedly so) wanted me kicked out of the troop. I was hopeless, embarrassed, and felt abandoned.?

However, one person had my back, stood up for me, believed in me, and knew I could repair my image...That was you... You stood by my side through it all, and you were my biggest supporter in such a painful time. You saw the gifts and potential in me when I couldn't see them in myself.?

While I wish I had the opportunity to tell you "Thank You" one last time for your support, unfortunately, I can't. Mac, you significantly shaped my life and gave me a second chance when I was undeserving.?

Furthermore, I will never forget you tearing up in front of the entire troop when you announced I was the "Runner-up" for "Most Improved Scout." With tears in your eyes, you told the whole troop how proud you were of me and much I have grown over the years. From that day on, I knew I could be someone, and I made a promise never to stop growing.

While I am saddened you are no longer with us, I am confident you are in heaven and looking down on your former scouts. Thousands felt your impact. I will never forget how you took a kid trapped in his pain who deserved to be released from the troop to a young man of God, Eagle Scout, and an individual who is always looking to give back. Thank you for believing in me when others didn't and giving me a second chance. Your impact, the story will live onward. I miss you.?

Love,

Nathaniel Armen