I got my grand-daughter Ava working on a box call, and after only about 10 minutes of instruction, she started sounding good. Well pretty good, I mean it was ok! If I can keep her wanting to learn; she may be calling a big Tom in for me next year. I have 5 grandsons and 5 granddaughters and none of them have showed a real interest in following me into the woods. Maybe Ava will be “the one!”
Been thinking about the relationships you build through blogging. It might seem odd, but I feel a kinship with those of you who regularly read my blogs. I always look forward to your comments. Some of you I have sent personal e-mails to, and have gotten to know you and your families somewhat. A few live far away, like Oregon and Idaho, and your adventures add excitement and wonder to my life. It would be nice to have a Rendezvous one year and spend some fun time together.
My buddy Randy Mills didn’t get a deer this year in Kentucky, but a friend of his did (10 point.) Another friend from work went, and passed away last week at 47 years old. He died from Salmonella poisoning. What a strange way to exit into eternity! When ya think about it we all have a last hunting season. Most don’t think very much about preparing for their final “trip!” For any trip (hunt) to be successful you need alot of preparation, as well as a plan to follow. You need a map or GPS, proper clothing, food, tools, good working weapon, and many many more details to pull a successful trip together. Probably the most important thing is deciding your destination. Once your sure where you want to go, you better follow the proper directions to get there. None of us are going to make it out of this great journey alive. What happens next? Well there aren’t a whole lot of choices out there. Lets see you could come back as a cockroach, just fertilize mother earth, become a god, go to a place where you are totally separated from God, family, or friends, or live forever in a special place prepared only for you. I might of missed a few choices, but YOU must decide where your journey is going to take you. And whatever you decide you better make good preparations so you arrive at the place you intended.
You see why this is titled “Random Thoughts?” Brother Darryl took two of his grand kids hunting turkey last week, and 10 year old Tanner (TJ) got a Tom with his 20 gauge. I haven’t heard if Tristan did any good, but I’ll do a follow up blog when I do.
Mike
Mike,
We are working on Regional Bloggers Meetings through the Outdoor Bloggers Summit. There may be a Midwest one at some point. I’m not sure where or when yet, but I’ll let you know if it happens.
I think that it is amazing we plan so hard for the things on earth, weddings, baby showers, college, hunting trips. (usually not in that order but today, maybe!) If we live knowing that our “last hunt” could be anytime we probably would work harder to make more things count. Our relationships and love towards others. Just in case any of you hunter’s are out there wondering if your kid will be the greatest hunter if they aren’t please remember their purpose and destination does’t ride on their trophies! The passion you have for life and hunting (and hopefully most important God) may not birth a hunter but I believe the idea that we enjoy life and have interest and passions will fuel our kids into having passions too. Tristen didn’t get a turkey but just the same I think he truly enjoyed the fellowship of family and being one of the guys as he journeys into being a young man. (wow that was random too!) Thanks for your blog Uncle Mike it is titled hunting but it is truly so much more!
It has been wonderful to get to know you a bit too Mike. When we let random thoughts run through our minds, usually the things that are important to us will travel there.
Loved the picture of your granddaughter, I’m sure if nothing else, she knows what her grandad enjoys and because she loves him she wants to share in what he likes.
You know Mike I think many of us take everyday life for granted at times myself included.
But in my opinion I think a good way to be is to approach each day not like it is going to be our last but maybe in such a way that if we had the opportunity to live it again that we would do it exactly the same as we did before.
Does that make sense?
That’s my random thought for today.
Thanks Mike.