Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 20:50:57 +0000 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Hey Mikey, Ch. 22 This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings,beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it mightnot be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at timesbetween males, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If youare too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kindof story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - -ENJOY! Cast of characters: Michael Timothy Headly -- That's me! (Sometimes ... Ronny) Spike -- (Diane, my big sister) Mary -- My mom Tom -- My father. Gilbert Blank -- Friend from Woodland Joey Gray -- Gilbert's "little brother" Bobby Pepper -- New friend Arlo Gates - Orienteer Randy Samson -- Arlo's roomie James Samson (Jay) -- Randy's adopted brother and ... My Twin! (Shawn) Blair -- New Roomie (Todd is his friend from high school) Jacky -- one of five brothers and a sister: Jared, Jed, Jimmy, Jock and Julie Jody -- Dude from Hurricane Harbor ... From Chapter 21: He giggled. "Heehee - your mouth tastes like my cum!" "You've tasted it before? But I thought you didn't - " "I never said I didn't do it -- only that I didn't think anyone else did!" he said and he kissed me some more. "I hope this won't be the last time we -- um -- can I do your's now?" "I think we should get out to dinner. That load of yours was big -- but not THAT big. I need to eat something more." I laughed. Chapter 22 The barbeque was set up out back of the kitchen. We all went outside and it had actually warmed up since earlier. There was a bug light over the barbecue, so the bugs couldn't see it, and at the other end of the house was the bright blue glow of a bug trap. The hamburgers were dark brown and crusty at the edges, like barbecued beef burgers should be -- perfectly seared. "Mmmmm!" I said. "Smells good!" "Not as good as the hot dog I hope I'm getting later, whispered Jody into my ear." "We have hot dogs in the fridge if you want one!" Said Randy. Jody blushed -- again! He didn't count on Randy's hearing to be so well developed! "That's okay ... um ... yeah." He said and he unconsciously tried to hide behind me. After we ate dinner and played a couple silly but fun group games, People started to pair off. Several friends who had been invited gathered in the living room, to watch a movie that someone had brought. Jody curled up with me for the movie, and when it was over, he showed no intention of leaving. "Well, can I walk you back to your place?" I said. "Oh! I didn't -- I mean -- I was hoping -- can't I - " I checked next to me, where Randy was and he was sleeping noisily. "I'm not putting Randy out of our room any more. He's a good guy, but - " "Oh! I'm sorry! I wasn't -- um -- so you share a bedroom with -- but -- um -- there's only one bed. Do you guys sleep together in there?" "Yes, we've shared a room since I moved in." "Must be nice!" Said Jody. I could almost SEE his next question ... which he had enough class not to ask. "We only sleep, Jody. He's going to be my brother-in-law." "Okay. Um -- hey! Maybe you'd like to come out to my place -- you know -- meet my folks!" I knew that he meant tonight, but I wasn't ready to "meet the parents" yet. I also knew he was really motivated to finish what we started -- well, okay -- what I started earlier that evening. Randy woke up. Either that or he heard more than I thought he did. "Oh! Dang!" He said. "What's wrong, Rand?" "I fell asleep. I told Jay I'd be there tonight -- late but I'd be there! What time it is?" "It's 1: 35." I answered. "He's supposed to pick me up at - " Knock knock knock! They were quiet knocks. I jumped up and went to the door. When I opened it, I didn't expect my emotions to be so close to the surface. So were Jay's! We stood there, lost in each others' faces for a prolonged time. finally he spoke. "Hi." "C'mon in." I said. "Who else is there?" He almost whispered. I stepped out and closed the door behind me. It was still balmy. "Just some stragglers from the party. Jacky will be staying over -- with Arlo. I know both will want to see you." "Is my brother ready?" "I don't think so- he fell asleep during the movie." "He'll have a satchel packed in his -- er -- your room. That's the way he does things. Will you just get it and bring him out? I don't wanna bother anyone right now." "It's no bother, they - " Tears filled his eyes. "Mikey -- I don't want to -- meet -- your -- date. I just don't! I am assuming he's still in there." "He was just getting ready to leave." "Well, with Randy gone -- he could stay -- right? I just don't want to see or meet him -- please?" I again looked into his eyes for a long time. "No -- Jay-Jay. He's not staying." I wanted to tell him that I was waiting for him. But I didn't want to put any pressure on him. "I just met him yesterday -- well, a couple weeks ago at Hurricane Harbor, but again yesterday on campus. We're just friends." He studied my eyes for a long time. Again his eyes filled and he couldn't keep his thoughts from me. "Yeah -- suck buddies -- at least huh?" I could tell he was trying to keep me from hearing that, but neither of us is adept at using this newfound skill yet. I dropped my head. "I'm sorry, Babe." I said. "No -- I'm the one who is sorry! You shouldn't have heard that." "I'm glad I did." I said, stepping closer. "I was wondering if you still cared." "How can you even ask that?" He said. I closed the gap -- between our bodies ... between our lips. If there are a multitude of things we have in common, one of the strongest is -- we can't resist a kiss! He kissed me back -- with a passion I had forgotten we had. He broke the kiss and said, "I shouldn't have done that! I'm sorry!" "No I shouldn't have -- tempted you like that!" "I'm supposed to be stronger than that." He said, turning away. Please get Rand for me." "Okay." I said, my heart still pounding ... and aching. I went inside, got Randy's satchel that Jay knew was all packed. "You want a jacket, Rand?" I asked, as I grabbed his hand and helped him up. "Isn't he coming in?" He asked. "No. He'll tell you why." I said. I led Randy out -- not that he really needed it -- and again closed the door behind us. "See you -- um -- Monday, huh?" "Um -- yeah." Said Randy. "Are you coming to Jay's seminary graduation? It's Sunday night." "I didn't know about it." I said, looking at Jay. "All I knew about was high school graduation Thursday night." "You can come -- if you want to." Said Jay. Obviously he DIDN'T want me to come. Otherwise he would have told me about it. It wasn't even a thought, really ... mostly a feeling, but I didn't LET it form into a thought. I almost started to cry again as I realized it: I was learning to lie to my brother! "Maybe I will." I said half-heartedly ... mostly lying. I kissed both Jay and Randy goodbye and went into the house. As soon as I got in, I spied Jody sitting by himself on the love seat. Everyone else was either paired up or already gone. As I approached, he said, "You really love Randy, don't you?" "Um -- yeah. I'm really glad he's marrying my sister." "Who was it that picked him up?" "That was my -- er -- um -- his brother, Jay." I was uncomfortably aware that now Jody COULD stay over. "Um -- I'll walk you back to your place, at least." Jody looked disappointed ... at least. But he was too nice to ask to stay after all that. I was pretty hot to get him into my sack until Jay showed up. Now, somehow I lost my horns, I guess. "Can I see you tomorrow?" Asked Jody. "I thought you were going home -- to your parents this weekend." I said. "I -- um -- well -- I WAS -- but - " "What do you want to do?" "I have to work tomorrow night. But if you want we can go to the Hurricane in the morning, and I can just stay for work." "I -- um -- well -- I probably shouldn't do that. It's kind of expensive and - " "I can get you in -- buddy pass. If you're with me, you get in free." "Um -- okay. Let's go." I got up and pulled him out of his seat and I walked him home. I'd never been to his place yet, and when we got there, there was a deep front porch, with no light on. As he opened the door, he turned and looked into my eyes. I know he wanted a kiss. He was in the door way, a half-step up form the porch. At that height, our faces were even. He closed his eyes and I leaned in and he moaned as our lips met. I pulled him into a closer hug and he almost whimpered when I grabbed his bum -- with both hands. He buried his face in my neck and sighed. I felt his bone ... as I am sure he felt mine as well. We both flexed at about the same time and we both moaned at the same time too. Finally, I broke the kiss, and said good night. He went inside and I walked about half way home, and stopped at a bus stop bench. I sat down and started to sob. WHY! Why does Jay have to go away for two years! And -- Australia! Could it have bee any further away? "I have to do this." Came into my head. I got that it wasn't in answer to my own cry. I perceived that he was struggling with it himself. The next thing I knew I was getting gently tapped on the sole of my shoe with a Billy club. I started and wondered where I was. I had fallen asleep on the bench and smelled exhaust fumes, from a squad car that was at the curb. I blinked and sat up. There was a very sweet looking older policeman standing there with a concerned look on his face. He looked like someone's father -- probably was. "Are you okay, Son?" I blinked some more. "Oh -- um -- yeah -- I just sat here for a moment -- I think. What time is it?" "Five past two." "Thanks for waking me, Officer. I've only been asleep a few minutes." "Can we drop you off somewhere?" "I'm only around the block." "Get in, We'll take you home." I got in the back seat of the car. The officer walked around to the drivers door and when he got in, his partner -- or rather his rider turned around and smiled. He wasn't in uniform. "Hi Mike!" "Omigosh!" I said. "Jock!" "We don't normally pick up transients, but Officer Vick said he'd make an exception when I told him I knew you. What the heck were you doing?" "I was -- um -- just -- um -- out for a walk -- and -- I sat down -- only for a moment. Next thing I knew you guys were here. I guess I fell asleep." I still felt groggy. "Been drinking?" asked Officer Vic. "I don't drink -- much. Not at all tonight. I just had a long day. I have to do this." "What?" Said Jock. "You have to do -- um -- what?" "Um -- oh! Did I say that aloud? It was the -- the -- the last thing I remember before falling asleep. Some thing my brother thought -- er -- um -- said -- to me -- um -- well, I was (Yawn) I'm awfully tired." I fell asleep again, listening to Jock Tell the officer where to go. I got out and stumbled a little. "Sure you didn't have a little alcohol, Son?" "No -- no, I'm -- okay." "I'll help you into the house ... anyway. Go ahead, Vic. I'll just stay here. My brother's in here anyway." "Okay, Jocko! See you next week!" As the car pulled away, Jock explained to me that he rode with Officer Vic once a week as part of his police science class. Jock took me to my room, and then said he's just crash on the couch. I said okay. I managed to get my clothes off and as soon as my head hit the pillow - - my eyes popped open! "Jock -- you don't have to stay out here!" I said, after getting up and padding out to the living room. He was in my room before I was! As before, he almost reverently removed his underwear and carefully folded and placed them on top of his other clothes -- and climbed into the bed. I was asleep again in less than a minute. When we woke up, I was wrapped around Jock, of course my morning wood between his thighs. He was breathing slowly and shallow. My boner flexed on its own then I felt the strong urge to pee and flexed it myself to keep it from leaking. He giggled. "You awake?" I whispered. "I am now! Why were you out walking in the middle of the night?" "It was hot." I said. He laughed quietly and said, "You still are!" gently squeezing the head of my boner, poking through the front oh his legs. "Can I take care of this for you ... or do you have to?" "Oh yeah -- I gotta pee something awful!" "After that I could probably coax something wonderful from it!" He said, loosening the vice grip his thighs had on my dick. I went to the bathroom and came back to bed, noticing it was only 6:30. "I dunno if Jacky is here or not." I said. "He is. I saw him going to pee earlier." "Oh!" I said. ""Yeah, he looked pretty surprised to see me here." "Hey, I - " "Don't sweat it. We didn't have any arrangements So you had a date last night? I had one Thursday night." "Oh. I -- um -- you did? Where did you meet him?" "It was a her. She invited me over to her house to meet her parents." "That's scary!" I said. "I wasn't the least scared until I got there and I'd swear her mother was sizing me up for a tuxedo!" "I dunno about you, but I need to sleep some more. Long day yesterday!" "Works for me." He said and he snuggled up close behind me. His hand went right for the gold, and he started to stroke me slowly. "Oh gosh -- this feels good!" he said. "Um -- yeah -- maybe not as good as it feels on this end!" I said. He took that as permission and started stroking faster. I hadn't noticed how my balls were aching until just before I went off. I sucked two of his fingers, from the arm that was under my neck., as I shot my goo on both the bottom and top sheets. I turned, feeling that reciprocation was called for. Facing him, he thrusted himself into my hand. And when he was about to go off, he locked lips and kissed me passionately. We woke up looking onto Jacky's grinning face. "Hi Jocky! When did you get here?" "Obviously last night -- after cruising with Officer Vic." Neither of us answered the question that was all over his face. "Oh. That's nice." He wasn't exactly surreptitious as he glanced over at his brother's carefully folded underwear on the dresser. "Uummm -- Arlo is fixing some biscuits and gravy, if you wanted to get up." "What's the time?" "9:55." "I guess that's late enough! Is the shower clear?" "Yeah, we used it 40 minutes ago. Hee hee! If you need it as badly as we did -- well, anyway -- the water will be warm again by this time! and ... Todd and Blair usually sleep `til at least noon!" "Close the door on your way out!" Said Jock. We both were wooded up pretty good and we ran across the hall to the bathroom. With no questions asked, we got into the shower together. We immediately embraced as soon as the water was the right temperature. "Omigosh! I didn't realize I had to pee so bad!" Said Jock. I squeezed his butt cheeks and said, "Then pee!" "I can't pee on you!" "Sure you can -- we're in the shower -- it'll wash away in two seconds!" I quipped. "No! I can't do - " About that time he felt the very warm wash of liquid that I was squirting between us! "You -- you -- Okay! I guess I can!" He said indignantly, and he backed off and let it fly. I pulled him back into a wet kiss. He struggled for about another two seconds and then he was into the kiss like it was what he always dreamed if. "OmiGOSH!" He said, when he stopped peeing. "That was - - AWESOME!" "I knew you'd like it!" "Heehee! It made the other stuff on our tummies all slippery and -- mmmm!" He laughed again and said, did you show that to my brother?" "No -- we really have not done much. Neither has Arlo -- they're on their own!" "You know so much!" "I know very little. Just more than you! Have you and Jacky -- um - " "Ew! He's my brother! NO!" I didn't say any more about that. "We've talked a LOT since we've been in our own place. But we wouldn't DO anything. That's perverted!" "Doing it with me is okay -- but it's perverted with your brother?" "You'd understand if you had a brother." "I suppose." I said. I swallowed hard and then yawned to cover for my wet eyes. But then for no apparent reason, I just felt like really crying. I thought about last night on the bench and what might have brought that on. Then it hit me hard. "I'll be right back!" I got out of the shower and ran, dripping wet to my room and grabbed up my cell phone. "Jay-Jay?" "Huh? Uh - Mikey! Oh! (whimper!) Ungh! Um -- oh! thanks ... for waking me! I was having a -- a -- dream!" "Sad dream?" I said. "Oh yeah. It seemed as if I was losing you! But you're okay -- aren't you?" "Um -- yeah -- I am. I'm -- um -- all wet with the shower running. I'll call you later. Or -- see you on Thursday -- at your graduation. I'm going to Hurricane Harbor later today. "You're -- you're -- not coming to my -- oh -- never mind! See you!" He hung up. I went back to the shower. It took all of about 30 seconds. "Are you okay?" Asked Jock. "Um -- I -- well, yeah -- I guess. I just -- um -- forgot something." He accepted that and again grabbed me, this time pulling me close and kissing me. "That -- that peeing thing! That was awesome ... almost as good as an orgasm!" "It WAS, wasn't it?" I said. "You've never done it before?" "Once -- with this guy from San Francisco. But -- it wasn't -- like that!" "Oh GAWD, I KNOW! Oh! SORRY! Sorry -- I mean -- Gosh! I know what you mean!" "Wha -- at? You've done it before?" "NO! Not -- I mean -- not like -- NO!" He couldn't look me in the face. I just stared him down. "Please don't tell anyone!" He pleaded. "I don't know anything to tell." I said. "It was one of my comps -- you know missionary companions! Oh, gosh! I completely forgot about it until this moment. I blocked it out! That's all we did. We both had the same idea at the same time -- to take a shower. It was my fault. I followed him into the shower, not realizing he'd gone in. We had been fooling around earlier and - " "Fooling around how?" "He was always joking with me -- you know, calling me sweetheart -- because you know -- we lived together 24-7. If he was talking to someone else, he'd say, `Wait a minute -- let me ask the wife!' Stuff like that. Sometimes he'd pat my butt -- like any football player would -- and other times he'd caress my face and say something like, `Morning Honey!' I forgot about that too. Well this one time, I was thinking about something else and got into the shower -- and he was already there. "He said, `Oh, hi, Honey! I've been waiting for you!' We both laughed and I started to get out. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him and just started to pee. I was dumbfounded. He just held me close -- he was quite a lot bigger than I and ... hot looking! I denied even thinking about him in those terms. But he was! He held me there and groaned really loud as his hot pee washed over our torsos. It was then I lost it. I had to pee too and I was pissed that he did that to me, so I pissed on him too. Only he just said, `Oh Yeah, Honey Bun, let it all out!' I never told him how turned on I was. I made a point of forgetting it! I didn't even tell the Prez -- we were supposed to report stuff like that to the Mission President. I am still sure he was straight -- and just fooling around. And so was I -- or so I had myself convinced." "Wow." I said. "But when did you - " "I stuffed all those feeling deep inside until just recently -- when Jacky and Jimmy told me about -- Jacky. At first I really blew it. But then when he told Mom and Dad and Dad reacted as he did -- I suddenly realized I couldn't let them do that to my brother. I still wasn't admitting anything -- to myself. Even when I told Dad that I too was gay ... I didn't really believe it -- I only did it to get even with him for throwing my little brother out." "I can't believe that you and Jacky haven't - " "Well -- believe it! Brothers just don't!" "Don't you think he needs to at least be held sometimes? I'll bet your dad never held him." "I dunno. I'd be afraid what I might do -- or feel like doing." "I cuddle all the time with -- with -- Randy. And he's like a brother to me." "Yeah, but -- Randy's straight -- isn't he?" How could I answer that? I want him to be straight -- he's marrying my sister! But some of the things that he's done with me -- well, I can justify that he was ... dreaming ... right? "Yeah -- he is -- straight." I said. We were still holding each other, our hands on each other's butts. We were also still quite boned up. He removed one hand from my butt and ran his fingernail lightly up my shaft. I squeaked! "I want some more of this!" he said and started stroking me in earnest. It didn't take much after what we had done and when he knew I was going to cum, he dropped to his knees and sucked it down. I don't think he missed any! My knees got weak and I collapsed and being all wet, slipped under him. He caught me deftly and just kissed me passionately. I started to rub his rigid pole, but he said, "Not now. "I'm satisfied with what we did. Later, maybe?" Jacky is so cute and ... really adorable. Jock lives up to his name. He's ruggedly handsome -- and -- a jock! So it really it hot that he seems to want a lowly swimmer! After breakfast, Jacky and Jock took off. I thought about what he told me about brothers all day. Am I some kind of pervert? I met Jody at the Hurricane and we played for a couple hours before he was to report to work. He was grinning most of the time, but wasn't comfortable around so many people he knew -- to do anything risqué. I left him at work, and could see he wanted so much more. His cute smile and curly black hair made my insides quiver. He took me to a tunnel and kissed me good bye. "God I love kissing you!" he said. Did I really have to tell him how much I liked it? "Hiya, Sis!" "Hi Mikey! Anything profound coming out of my m-t-headed brother?" "Diane -- what do you think about -- me -- liking my own brother?" "Well, I'd hope you'd like your own brother!" "You know what I mean!" "It seems a little -- um -- unorthodox -- but -- so is being gay, isn't it? Who would care who you -- um -- do -- when no child can come of it? I mean laws were made based on the fact that idiots were produced between a brother and a sister -- or even cousins! But if no kids can come from it -- does it really matter any more? But -- I thought Jay was going another way -- isn't he leaving for Australia soon?" "Not `til August or September." "but -- isn't he -- um -- keeping himself -- um - " "We're not doing anything, Diane! It's just been bugging me lately that -- there's this one family -- another Mormon family -- and two of the brothers are gay. But they both have made such a point that it's just wrong between brothers." "Well, to each his own, I guess. So I guess you're still hoping Jay will come around, huh?" "I don't know what to hope for. I know his mission means a lot to him." "Yeah -- it also means a lot to Randy." "I know that too." "Are you still keeping my beau warm at night?" "Huh?" I said, afraid of what she meant. "You and Randy -- you still cuddle with him -- don't you?" I was dumbstruck that she even knew that. My silence provoked her next comment: "He tells me everything. It's okay Mikey! You don't need to feel guilty about that. Hey -- I know I'm no beauty contestant! I love that I've lost weight. I also love that Randy can't really see me!" "Sis! You're beautif -- um -- you're very pretty!" "Maybe to you! And thank God ... to Randy as well. But I don't take HIS good looks for granted! There have to be lots of girls who would do anything to date him -- let alone get a handful of what's in his pants!" "Diane!" "Oh don't be naïve! We've never done anything -- but I can feel it when we hug! And -- I know you've more than felt it!" "Diane!" "It makes me a little envious! But -- Mikey -- I really don't care! I think it's neat that you and he -- um -- found each other -- first!" I was fit-to-be-tied! I couldn't be angry at either of them, but I wished they didn't ... talk about such things! Reading my thoughts, Diane said, "Mikey -- if Randy and I are planning to spend our lives together -- we have to know each other -- intimately -- before we commit our lives. I don't mean physically intimate -- but if there are no surprises, it will be better. You just keep on keeping him warm for me at night ... and if he has any more dreams ... just enjoy it!" "Diane!" "I mean that, Mikey! There's no one I'd rather he be close with than you -- and maybe his brother. Anyway -- not to change the subject but - " "Oh PULEEZE change THIS subject!" I begged. "You're the best brother a girl could have! Anyway -- are you going to Jay's seminary graduation tomorrow night?" "You're the third person to ask me that! Am I supposed to?" "I know Randy is awfully proud of him. He passed everything with flying colors! You KNOW he'd want you there!" " I Guess I will! But he didn't ask me -- really -- until this morning and even then he didn't really ask me." "Go! I have a gut feeling about this. You need to be there." "It'll be confusing to a lot of people." I said. "That's their problem. Just show up in the audience." When I arrived at the church Sunday night, the parking lot was crowded and out onto the street. I guess this is a bigger deal than I imagined. Luckily I didn't need a parking place, having taken the bus. I love that you can go almost anywhere in Chicago by bus! I wandered in and tried not to look at anyone. I found the Samson family and sat with them. A pretty girl in front of us turned around and smiled broadly. "James! Aren't you supposed to be up on the stand?" I shrugged and pointed up to my brother. She did a double-take and started whispering to the girl next to her and before long, nearly everyone was craning their necks between the stand and ... me! All the while I kept an eye toward Jay. Finally he saw me. His face lit up like a Roman candle! He jumped up and came running back to where we were sitting. The program was about to start. A youngish looking man got up and said, "James -- please bring your friend up to the stand." Jay literally dragged me up to the podium. Again the young man spoke. "I'm Brother Willard. James -- er -- Jay Samson has someone he wants to introduce to you." I was embarrassed to suddenly have everyone looking at me. A twitter of conversation went all around the chapel, then all went hushed. "Brothers and sisters -- some of you -- in my ward -- have met my brother. But for those of you who have not -- this is my brother, Michael Timothy Headly. We were separated at birth and he was raised out in California by a non-member family. I only met hem a few months ago by accident. Anyway, he's already become my soul mate! Please welcome him into your hearts as well." I was afraid they were going to applaud, but they all were smiling and nodding to me and to each other, as the twitter of conversation started up again. Jay hugged me and kissed me -- a peck on the lips, then told me I could go back and sit down. I looked and Randy's dad was whispering in his ear -- probably telling him everything that happened. I wondered if he mentioned the kiss. As soon as I was sat down, Brother Willard again got up and said, "As you know, these young people behind me and in the front rows have worked hard the last four years, learning about Christ and preparing for missions." I then realized that those on the stand were only a small part of all the young men and women who were part of the graduation. There were many more who weren't old enough to be graduating yet, but got honorable mention for what they had done so far. The ones on the stand were the ones getting special recognition. One by one each graduate came forward to receive his or her certificate. Many of the kids said something into the microphone, like "Thanks Mom and Dad", etc. On and on it went and Jay was saved for last. "Brothers and sisters, I wanted to save James Samson for last for a special reason. I have asked his Bishop to come up and present his awards and his certificate. I recognized the Bishop as he came out of the congregation to take the stand. "Jay -- come stand here with me." Jay complied and looked a little wary -- he obviously didn't know this would happen. "Most of you know that Samson Family and many of you know and love this young man here." Said the bishop, putting his arm around Jay's shoulders and pulling him close. "Jay has finished every challenge that has been asked of him -- and with flying colors. Since his second year, he's been captain of his class's scripture chase team. But in the end, it was he that won the competition for the last three years. He let his brother win it his first year. "Jay has been the model Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout the end of his Junior year, a year ahead of schedule. I know that many of you got your Eagles as early as ninth grade. But I want to tell you that Brother Samson -- Jay's father -- was not easy when it came to sighing off many of Jay's merit badges. He got his Citizen in the Nation when he was in ninth grade, and in tenth he got his Duty to God award. And he didn't have the added incentive that many of you have -- of being denied his driving license until he gets his Eagle award. "Jay and I have been working closely in the last few months to help him overcome - " I felt a cold fear come over me. I looked at Jay and he had a fight or flight look on his face, and sweat broke out on his forehead. " -- overcome some hard challenges. I want to tell you that Jay has proven to be a worthy example to every boy and young man in this stake. Everything he has done, he has gone the extra mile and excelled at it. Jay -- congratulations for being an example to all of us and for being an outstanding youth and man in this city!" With that, he gave Jay some awards that were in his hand and his certificate of graduation. I saw the relief on Jay's face and felt it in my own. I leaped up and applauded and yelled "Jay!" No one else joined me and then I realized that no one had applauded anyone in the ceremony. I started to turn red when a tall man on the stand got up -- I think he was introduced at the beginning as the stake president or something -- he stood and started applauding, and when the rest of the congregation saw it was approved of, they all stood and applauded as well. The tall man came to the podium. "I want to thank James's brother for reminding us that SOMETIMES applause IS appropriate in the chapel! I want to honor each graduate tonight and especially those who have been examples to us all -- to and including Brother James Samson! I noticed that Jay has not had an opportunity -- as some did -- to express anything. James do you have anything to say?" Jay came back to the podium and humbly said, "I want to thank my parents, and especially my most excellent example, My brother, Randy!" Then he got emotional and could not speak for a moment. He then said, "I love you, Ronny!" looking directly into my eyes -- directly into my spirit! "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. "AMEN!" Said everyone in the room at once! Notes: Well, I think Mikey did the right thing. He also proved to be an example to all those in the meeting! Comments are welcome to Steve, at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and ... Love, Steve