By Richard Mabey Jr.
It was in late September of 1974, that I had most recently turned 21 and was now well into my fourth quarter at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I remember keeping in touch with the events and happenings in Lincoln Park through three main newspapers; The Lincoln Park Herald, Scouting Gazette of Troop 170 and the monthly newsletter of the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park. I gratefully received all three publications in the mail, while I was away at college.
September of 1974 was also a milestone for my beloved father. For Dad was beginning his ninth year, serving as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. My father had been elected, by the Troop Committee, to become Troop 170’s newest Scoutmaster back in September of 1966.
It was in late September of 1974, that my dad and I were both to face unique life challenges. I had gotten back my first Organic Chemistry quiz test. I was humiliated to the end of the earth. I had gotten a D on the quiz. What caused me to go deep within myself and wonder if I would make it through chiropractic college, is that I had ever most diligently studied for that quiz. I was all so devastated.
It was a day or two, after I had gotten back my first Organic Chemistry quiz, that I received a letter from my dear mother. Mom was very troubled and deeply concerned for Dad. One of the scout fathers was creating havoc within Troop 170, spreading terrible lies about my father. This disgruntled scout father had already transferred his son from another scout troop to Troop 170, because of problems he saw with that scout troop.
This unkind man began sending letters to all the scout families of Boy Scout Troop 170, that my father was not qualified to be a Scoutmaster. This upset scout father told the Assistant Scoutmasters and Committeeman that Dad used the word “ain’t” in his conversations and that Dad did not use proper English when talking with the scouts. This misguided scout father went on to accuse my father of taking money from the troop treasury. In truth, it was just the opposite, dozens upon dozens of times, Dad paid for the summer camp tuition for quite a few of the scouts of Troop 170, whose families were going through a rough time.
In Mom’s letter, I remember that she wrote me that she walked out to the old red barn, on a Saturday afternoon. Mom found Dad sitting on the old bench, that we had in the red barn, crying his eyes out, holding the horrible letter that this disgruntled father wrote to all the scout families of Boy Scout Troop 170.
For me, it was a strange and bewildering thing. I was going to write my father, to consult him and ask him his advice about my poor grade in my latest Organic Chemistry quiz. However, a great epiphany fell upon, as if an angel from Heaven had spoken to me. It was now my time, to encourage my father. Dad had always been there for me, to give me encouragement in my childhood and youth. Now, Dad needed my encouragement.
After school one afternoon, at my desk in my bedroom, I wrote my heart out to my father. I told Dad how much he had helped me in scouting. From the many week-long hikes of the Appalachian Trail we had taken, to the many times we paddled the Delaware River, for week-long adventures, together in a canoe. I wrote my father that he was by far, one of the best Scoutmasters in the entire Morris and Sussex Area Council. I told my father, in that letter, that I loved him very much.
It was about a year before Mom passed away, that she told me that my letter of encouragement to Dad meant the world to him. Mom told me that Dad was seriously thinking about resigning as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. That he just couldn’t take any more of the false accusations that this disgruntled scout father was hurling at him. From her hospital bed, Mom held my hand and thanked me for writing such a heart-felt letter to Dad. Mom then told me that it was my encouraging letter that gave Dad the inspiration to stay on as Scoutmaster of Troop 170.
I do remember that I dug deep within myself and committed myself to studying more for my Organic Chemistry class. I am no expert in chemistry, but I did manage to earn a grade of C, for my final grade that quarter. Chemistry just did not come easily to me.
I loved my father with all my heart and soul. I get so upset when I hear people say that they are disgusted with their children, regardless of what age they are. It always upsets me to hear people speak unkindly of their parents. Life is short. The masters of all religions share this sentiment, simply love one another.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.