One of a kind , a "Classic" indeed

Most of us are familiar with the classic book by Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird".  When it was written 50 years ago, it became in instant classic, but for the author, this was the one and only piece of literature she ever published.  In spite of its significant impact, Lee has commented very little on it since then, and therefore, its meaning has perhaps become a far more personal reflection than simply a story.  One of the book's main characters was "Scout", and although Lee's depiction is as unique as her book, I have a niece, nicknamed Scout, who is equally as unique, in her own way.

Just 6 weeks before she was born, her mother and I enjoyed being showered with gifts, as we were both on the verge of becoming first time parents.  Her cousin was born on October 30th, and she followed just over 3 weeks later.  Her arrival came shortly after the doctors told my sister and her husband that "Scout" had stopped growing, however, by all accounts, that was last time they were ever told this.  Naturally, she was going too get that much needed stimulation from her parents, but her environment in Yellowstone and with the vast number of relatives, there was little doubt that this child would not be "left behind", and she certainly hasn't been.

Her neighborhood school just down the street served as her academic home for those early years.  What an environment for a young child, Elk roaming through her yard, Big Horn sheep watching her play out on the school playground, and a whole host of other wild creatures just down the road in Lamar Valley or at Tower.  Who needed a field trip when you are living, quite literally, in the fields and valleys of Yellowstone?

Because of the obvious appeal and attraction to Yellowstone, many family members visited over the years, both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles, and of course, the cousins.  When she was just 8, her grandparents from Massachusetts came to visit.  During dinner, her grandfather got up to use the restroom, and when Scout recognized that he hadn't come back in a timely manner, she queried, "where is grandpa"?  This observation turned out to be lifesaving, as her grandfather had had a stroke while he was away from the table and couldn't alert anyone because his speech had been affected.  Thanks to his granddaughter, the 2 of them have been able to enjoy many more years together, and for that matter and so have all of us.

Now that high school is over, and she off to college, there is little that my niece hasn't experienced compared to other kids her age.  She has raised rabbits, hamsters, and Julio the steer as part of her 4H projects.  She has had dogs, Hazard and now Ruby.  She has helped kids stricken by cancer at Camp Sunshine in Maine.  She even left the gas nozzle in my car last summer as we drove off  to Wilson Pond for some water skiing with the relatives.  She has tried to her hand at snow skiing and for the first time last summer, she swam in the ocean.  Yes, the list could go on, but for my niece who celebrates her 19th birthday today, I believe this is just the start of a long list of contributions, experiences, and accomplishments she will have in her lifetime.  Scout, you are most definitely a classic just like your "namesake", but more importantly, you are kind, the kind of young lady I am proud to call my niece.  Happy Birthday EG.  We love you!