(P) Tribute to a Bowhunter

Every year I find today is always a very difficult day for me. Seven years ago on September 19th (2003) my Grandpa Fred passed away unexpectedly. He wasn't just my grandpa, he was one of my best friends and role models. He was a man who lived life to it's fullest, genuinely loved people, and was enthusiastic about everyday. Grandpa Fred was definitely the life of the party in hunting camp each year. Boy, did he like to hunt. I don't know if there was ever a deer season where he slept the night before opening day. I think about Grandpa everyday. However, this day is always more emotional for me.

(Grandpa Fred and his 2002 Kansas bow buck)

I really shouldn't be sad that he has passed on because I know of no one more prepared to meet our maker, our Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ. Grandpa lived a simple life but everyone new he lived that life for God. He didn't have to say a word, you knew he was right with God by the example he set everyday.

Seven years ago today, Grandpa Fred stepped out of his house (which was located on a private Northern Wisconsin Lake) and headed for his favorite tree stand. It was located across the street in a thick Douglas Fir pine tree forest. He climbed up in the tree about 12' off the ground. At 81 years old, he was just as excited about the hunt as he was when he was a teenager. You would have to know him to truly understand this excitement or enthusiasm. Grandpa saw a few does that night but did not shoot anything. After dark, he climbed down out of his tree stand and headed back home. My grandma met him at the door and told him to get ready for dinner. Grandpa was in his trophy room, changing out of his hunting clothes, when he had a heart attack and passed on. I will never forget the phone call that I received that night when I learned what had happened. It tears me apart every time I think of it. It altered my life forever!

I try to remain positive though because Grandpa left this world the way he wanted to. At 81 years old he was still doing what he wanted to do more than anything else, hunt Whitetail Deer! He never suffered or experienced any pain in his last days. Grandpa just made sure he was spiritually ready to meet our God and left this world in a manner that he would have preferred. He was a great man!

Thanks Grandpa Fred for hunting with me every year!

(Grandpa Fred, Me and my Dad)

Don't take for granted the opportunities you have to hunt with friends and loved ones because after the season is over, all we have are memories. Make sure your right with God, it's what Grandpa Fred would have wanted most.