Sept 15 was the season opener for archery where I hunt and usually I am as pupmed up about it as anyone.This weekend I never hunted,I went to camp and pretty much was just depressed I guess you can say. I just couldn't make myself go out and get in a stand an do it. On Sept 15th 2002 I lost my best friend in the world,my hunting partner and a guy who was just always there for me. We grew up together and hunted together for close to 20 years. He killed more good bucks than anyone I know,and was the hog killingist SOB ever to hit the woods. On Sept 10th 2002 I got a call saying he was in an accident at his house with his skid loader,ne never recovered. 4 days in icu and they unplugged the machine and he died. Still made myself go out and hunt with tears in my eyes the first time I went up. Felt like he was always sitting there with me.
Well,I've hunted hard the last ten years and have had a lot of changes in my life. My twins were born in 2003 and he never had a chance to meet them,but I named them both of them after him. His name was Sheldon Rodrick,but we called him Rick. My twins middle names are Sheldon and Rodrick.They both love to hunt and fish,Rick would be proud of them. I managed to kill two monster bucks since Rick passed I wish he could have got a look at,hundreds of hogs,and just lots of awesome hunting.
I still hunt with Rick's older brother but I think the dog hunting is coming to an end. We sat at camp Sat night drinking a few beers when I texted some of the guys from the old hunting crew. We all tipped one back for our friend together, bunch of guys at different hunts camps in this state and a few out of state hunting.When we bumped cans,I couldn't hold the tears back anymore. 10 years go by quick,now my kids will be 10 soon and I have a new team of hunters coming on. Thanks for taking the time to read this,cherish your friends and family. I have great memories and stories that there would never be enough time to post up,but some always come out at the campfire.
RIP brother.
Sometimes its good for grown ass men to have a good cry. I had mine Friday night here at camp. This will be the 7th season without my old man. It really kicks me inside when I start getting my stuff together, and my dad isn't here. Also, Saturday was one year ago that I got the call that my mom had fallen ill. That started a 9 month spiral that changed my life. I needed someone to talk to that day a year ago..., and it was your camp I drove to, and you I sat down with and talked. I will always remember that, and am proud to call you a friend
Now lets go kill some shit
Sorry for your loss skunk. Life is to short to put up with some of the stupid thing that we let get us and takes away from spending more time with the people that make life worth living.
I lost my best friend a year ago last March. When I thought about it last March I couldn't help myself but cry about it. I was asked by his mother to speak at his funeral and I did. It was one of the toughest ordeals I ever have to get myself though, but somehow I mangaged.
I lost my Dad many years ago to cancer. He never got to meet my wife or kids or grandkids. Once in awhile I think of him and how he would of thought about the way I turned out. I'm a much different person than the stupid young man I was back then. When I think about my dad it is always hard to hold back the tears.
Be Glad for the memories you had with your friend and thanks for sharing.
I will always remember that, and am proud to call you a friend
Now lets go kill some shart
Agreed! :rockon
I lost a very good friend of mine, high school buddy, college roommate to cancer 4 years ago as of August 1. He was a helluva guy. I think you and I talked about him, SkunkApe. I surely know I've heard plenty of stories about Rick.
I also lost my father this past January at age 48, and he taught me almost everything I know about being a man, working hard, hunting, and fishing. I'm almost dreading climbing a tree for the first time this year.
Anyways, stay strong man. You know that if he was here he'd want nothing less than for you to kill a big buck.
Call me next time you are going to train the dogs at the pen!
