Hugs, Kisses and Other Priceless Rewards

A Mother’s Perspective on Her First Year as a Brownie Leader

by Diane Alpeter

In just a few minutes, I will be bombarded with hugs, kisses, and the undivided attention of ten wonderful girls. For about two hours, I will excite their curiosity. I will become one of them. I will be honored as one of the chosen few allowed to know their secrets, their reasons for giggling, the most important happenings of their day. I will not hear the words, "Mom, I just don’t want to tell you right now." I will not hear, "I’d rather do this with my friends, Mom." And, for awhile, I will not have that label, "Here comes an adult."

Instead my daughter is among those who yell, "Yeah, it’s Miss Diane," when she sees me. She almost gets jealous of the attention I receive from the other girls. However a knowing look and a quick hug let her know I am her mommy. And, it is her I will be going home with.

During my time as part of our exclusive group, they re-teach me how to be silly. They remind me it’s okay to laugh for ten minutes about nothing. I try to impress upon them the importance of Girl Scouting ideals including respect, helping others, and trying new things. Together we have learned about nighttime animals, caring for horses, tidbits about aviation, creating our own pizza surprises, artistically crafting shirts utilizing Mother Nature, and we have grown as a family. When one  girl is sick, the others make her a card. When one girl is sad, the others give her a hug. When one girl is excited, the others shout, "Yeah!"

Yes, the time committed to this organization is worthwhile. We learn new things. We help others. We do many of the things Girl Scouts are known for doing. But, being a leader is special to me, because every once in a while, I receive a priceless award. Two growing arms wrap themselves around me. A beautiful head of hair presses into my stomach and I hear those priceless words, "You are the best mommy in the whole world!