CNJ+ April 2025

On Eagle’s Wings CHAPTER 2: THE GODDESS By Richard Mabey Jr.

This is the second con densed chapter of the book that I am presently writing, about my journey to earn scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. This is a true story. Each and every one of us hold a destiny, a purpose, a certain knowingness of our purpose in life. It may be buried deep with in the fiber and sinew of the chambers of the heart, but from time to time, God reveals glimpses of the purpose of which He gave the precious gift of life to us. And, in line with that perspective, there are people who come into our lives, beyond coincidence, who become a wonderful friend and guide to help us in our pursuit of our Di vine purpose in life. In early September of

at the indoor swimming pool at the Paterson YMCA. Lisa was so unlike the girls I knew at school. She had a certain inner confidence, compassion flowed through her veins and an abound ing kindness abided in her heart. I think that Lisa saw something in me. She was fully aware of the flame that burnt in my heart, to become a good swimmer. I remember Lisa once told me that I was the best swim ming student that she had ever taught. Not that I was a great swimmer, that was far from the case, but rath er that I was so very sincere and earnest in my quest to become a good swimmer. About a month into our swimming lessons, my heart broke when Lisa’s boyfriend came into the pool room, to pick up Lisa. Lisa scolded

1969, I had just turned 16 and was beginning my junior year at Boonton High School. That Saturday morning, when I walked into the foyer of the Paterson YMCA, all alone, I had no idea I was about to meet a person who would dramatically change my life for the better. Mom had driven me to the big city YMCA, for the purpose of my beginning to take swimming lessons at their indoor pool. A fire burnt in my heart, to earn the Swimming Merit Badge, to become an Eagle Scout. I remember I was all so nervous. I walked the long hallways to the room where the indoor pool was located. I remember it like it was yesterday. I opened the door to the pool room, and there sat this very beautiful young woman, on a chair beside the pool. When I entered the room, this beautiful goddess came over to greet me and introduce herself. Lisa smiled as she shook my hand and introduced herself. Lisa was to be my swimming teacher. Amazingly, the other two boys, who were scheduled for her swimming class never showed up. Lisa had just begun her junior year at Paterson State College (now known as William Paterson University). She had long brown hair. Simply put, I fell in love with her, the moment I first saw her. I remember that Lisa was incredibly patient with me. She taught me the proper arm and leg movements needed to become a good swimmer. She had a most gentle voice, but at the same time, held a certain degree of authority when she spoke. Every Saturday morning, for three months, we would meet

him for interrupting her class with me. He sulked as he departed the pool room. I confess, I actually felt sorry for her puppy dog boyfriend. For as kind as Lisa could be, she could also be all so very stern. In early December of 1969, I convinced Lisa to sign up to become an offi cial Swimming Merit Badge Counselor. Lisa proudly signed the paperwork for my Swimming Merit Badge. It was a moment that was all so near and dear to my heart. From time to time, I think of Lisa. I pray she is alive and well. One of my deepest regrets is that I did not invite Lisa to my Eagle Scout Dinner. It was just one of those things. I don’t think I would have earned scouting’s highest rank, without Lisa’s helping hand. I am convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God brought Lisa in my life to help me along my rocky road to become an Eagle Scout. But now, after earning the Swimming Merit Badge, a new challenge await ed me. And that big challenge was to earn the difficult Lifesaving Merit Badge. Lisa, if you’re reading this story, thank you for all your help. To be continued. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.

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